Who is more useful to the Indian Test team? Hardik Pandya or Ravindra Jadeja?

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

After looking at Jadeja's performances with the ball it is pretty clear that Jadeja is 10 times the bowler Pandya is. Both of them are good fielders. As far as batting is concerned Jadeja has improved a lot where as Pandya is very inconsistent.

Another question that comes to my mind is how many tests will Pandya play at home?

 

[the_outsider]

After looking at Jadeja's performances with the ball it is pretty clear that Jadeja is 10 times the bowler Pandya is. Both of them are good fielders. As far as batting is concerned Jadeja has improved a lot where as Pandya is very inconsistent.

Another question that comes to my mind is how many tests will Pandya play at home?

Pandya will not be needed in home tests, BVB. Which I feel is a good thing. I know you are very anti-Pandya but you can't deny that a fast bowling AR is a must and you also can't deny that he is the best we have currently.

So I hope from next season, Pandya plays home games as a pure batsman in the top 5. His bowling in SENA is coming along very nicely. If he can be given the confidence and game time to improve his battin gin home tests, he can become a match-winner overseas.

Players like Pandya, in a country like India requires long-term thinking and investment. India is not Aus or NZ who have a dozen AR bowling at 140 clicks in the domestic circuit. India needs to get the most out of Pandya as possible.

 

[Swashbuckler]

Jaddu easily, Pandya has a long long way to go. Can't fathom how he is a certainty in our XI in most people's minds. I will use Pandya only selectively either on greentops or SENA anti-spin pattas where 4 bowlers won't cut it and 2 spinners can't play. Even on Indian pattas I would prefer 3 high quality spinners over a fast bowling AR+2 spinners.

 

[Ab Fan]

It is about having a consistent run and delivering against top teams. Can Jaddu manage a consistent run of good performance across all conditions??

We should not go much into reading of performance against WI. Even Pandya got a hundred against Sri Lanka. Both are very good all-rounders because they are excellent against weaker teams and can chip in performance against top teams as well but to reach a different league, either of the two need more consistent performance.

Jaddu is a better bowler by miles in Asia but will he be more effective with the bowl than Pandya in seamer friendly pitches?? Who will be more valuable in Australia during the end of the year??

 

[Last Monetarist]

Jadeja for me.

Pandya will be flayed alive on the flat Australian roads.

 

[WengerOut]

Jadeja for me.

Pandya will be flayed alive on the flat Australian roads.

Jadeja will be spared because he won't be selected

 

[Last Monetarist]

Jadeja will be spared because he won't be selected

I reckon he'll be more effective than Ashwin. However, my personal choice would be to play Kuldeep in Australia.

 

[Kaptan]

Pandaya only on greentops, else Sir Jadeja.

 

[starbuck]

I would like Pandya to play A tours test matches to improve his batting because right now he is not justifying his batting at 6/7. Jadeja right now is a better batsmen coming down the order

 

[Shandarchowka]

I feel both are overrated. Jadeja at least delivers on dust bowls in India. Pandya I don't know how he keeps getting selected. Both these players struggle outside India and when going gets tough.

 

[RamLakhan]

India lost overseas recently because of batting failures (yes Pandya was also part of that batting unit!) Not because of his bowling (as a bowling unit which he was a part of, was not the reason for defeat! In fact the bowling unit gave pretty good chance of winning in overseas which even Fab 4 team was finding difficulty!) You should not forget that he was giving the much needed rest for the 3 seamers and also contributed by picking wickets. Our past teams lacked a player like him (I know he is not the perfect man, but that's the best we have in our entire history barring only Kapil probably!) Imagine if Pandya was batting after Sehwag, Gambhir, Dravid, Sachin, Laxman at No.6... I am sure we would have won a lot of matches (provided we also got the current bowling unit!) and also Pandya would have scored lot more runs with lesser pressure (importantly the match contexts when he came to bat would have been lot easier than now! Laxman/Dravid would have had ruthless partnerships with him! They would have guided him by taking up strikes against tough bowlers & allowing him to go berserk at weaker bowlers! Unfortunately Rahane & co are in their own mess. Kohli has his own captaincy/selection mess and doesn't know how to utilize which players which way!)

So you mean to tell that playing Jadeja in all those England & South African test matches would have given positive results for India? I think we would have seen even worse results (would have lost even those lone matches which we won! And more importantly the matches would have not gone so closer! Remember we gave tough fight in all those matches & we were in the game most of the times!)

I think you are correlating wrongly here... Jadeja should perhaps have played in place of Ashwin as sole spinner. OR maybe we should have played another 4th proper seamer in place of Pandya (that is very aggressive & brave move! In that case we should have played a batsman who can bowl some spin, somebody like K.Jadhav! We can't depend on Jadeja's batting as well in overseas/good opponents!) You need to persist with a guy like Pandya and use him sparingly! He could have done that what N.Boje did in India to win a series for South Africa (if only our batsmen played better)!

 

[the_outsider]

People sometimes go so overboard when criticising Pandya.

In England, the only test we won was because of his bowling. It was because of his 5fer that Indian bowlers finally managed to get the English lower order out cheaply. Otherwise every other time the lower order added 80-120 runs.

 

[Napa]

People sometimes go so overboard when criticising Pandya.

In England, the only test we won was because of his bowling. It was because of his 5fer that Indian bowlers finally managed to get the English lower order out cheaply. <b>Otherwise every other time the lower order added 80-120 runs.</b>

While India lost two tests by about 30 to 60 runs.

I wonder how serious Pandya's injury is? He was bowling at 140. Is that something his body can't take for long? We have to watch how fast he bowls on his return.

 

[the_outsider]

While India lost two tests by about 30 to 60 runs.

I wonder how serious Pandya's injury is? He was bowling at 140. Is that something his body can't take for long? We have to watch how fast he bowls on his return.

His injury is not serious. It was an acute muscle spasm. No tear or anything. He will be available for the Australian tour. Might even play a few LOIs against WI to get match ready.

 

[Saurav]

Both can play.Don't forget we won 1 match in England,because of Pandya

Playing both strengthens our batting without compromising on bowling

 

[RamLakhan]

Both can play.Don't forget we won 1 match in England,because of Pandya

Playing both strengthens our batting without compromising on bowling

Yes that's right! And even Bhuvi. That gives almost England-like lower-order/tail strength!

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Both can play.Don't forget we won 1 match in England,because of Pandya

Playing both strengthens our batting without compromising on bowling

We also lost 3 matches when he was in the team. Don't forget that too.

Playing both strengthens our batting? Really? I would rather play a specialist batsman than a bits and pieces player who can't perform consistently. Jadeja at least is a pretty good bowler. Has an average of 23 with the ball and 33 with the bat. Compared to that Pandya so far has an average of 31 with the bat and ball. So where do you see Pandya as a test player in 5 years?

 

[Saurav]

We also lost 3 matches when he was in the team. Don't forget that too.

Playing both strengthens our batting? Really? I would rather play a specialist batsman than a bits and pieces player who can't perform consistently. Jadeja at least is a pretty good bowler. Has an average of 23 with the ball and 33 with the bat. Compared to that Pandya so far has an average of 31 with the bat and ball. So where do you see Pandya as a test player in 5 years?

Its not his job to win us every match. The so called specialist batsmen like Vijay,Dhawan,Rahane performed much worse .And Rahane played all games.Such consistency,right?

Jadeja's record has much to with playing at home.Pandya has played only one home Test AFAIK.Would easily average close to 40 otherwise.As a bowler,he can and has been a good support to main 3 seamers.That's his role,to support,hes not our spearhead

 

[the_outsider]

We also lost 3 matches when he was in the team. Don't forget that too.

Playing both strengthens our batting? Really? I would rather play a specialist batsman than a bits and pieces player who can't perform consistently. Jadeja at least is a pretty good bowler. Has an average of 23 with the ball and 33 with the bat. Compared to that Pandya so far has an average of 31 with the bat and ball. So where do you see Pandya as a test player in 5 years?

Pandya averaged 24 with the ball in Eng which is the 2nd best among all Indian pacers and the 4th best overall.

He will definitely be an asset in bowling friendly conditions if he can improve his batting. That should be the goal for him and the team management. To make Hardik into a top 6 batsman for test cricket.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Its not his job to win us every match. The so called specialist batsmen like Vijay,Dhawan,Rahane performed much worse .And Rahane played all games.Such consistency,right?

Jadeja's record has much to with playing at home.Pandya has played only one home Test AFAIK.Would easily average close to 40 otherwise.As a bowler,he can and has been a good support to main 3 seamers.That's his role,to support,hes not our spearhead

Are you trying to justify his inconsitent performances with the bat by trying to compare him with the specialist batsmen? How about if we compare him to someone who can take his spot in the team?

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pandya averaged 24 with the ball in Eng which is the 2nd best among all Indian pacers and the 4th best overall.

He will definitely be an asset in bowling friendly conditions if he can improve his batting. That should be the goal for him and the team management. To make Hardik into a top 6 batsman for test cricket.

On those fast bowling friendly pitches in Eng this year how much Jadeja averaged with the bat and ball?

 

[Saurav]

Are you trying to justify his inconsitent performances with the bat by trying to compare him with the specialist batsmen? How about if we compare him to someone who can take his spot in the team?

Like whom?We don't have any other seam AR and batsmen spots are already vacant

 

[the_outsider]

On those fast bowling friendly pitches in Eng this year how much Jadeja averaged with the bat and ball?

Yes Jadeja is looking really good and I always like having him I'm the XI, if for nothing than his fielding alone.
But he should come in place of Ashwin, not Pandya.
A spinner bowling AR is not a substitute for a pace bowling AR in SENA. The idea of going on with 4 pacers in SENA is a good one and should be backed.

 

[cricketindiafan]

Jadeja in Eng, SA and NZ
7 tests, 267 runs@22, 18 wickets@46

Pandya in SA and Eng
7 tests, 283 runs@22, 13 wickets@31

Hardly any difference between the two. As Pandya has won us a test out of these 7, always go for Pandya as the option

 

[Hasan123]

Jadeja is of more use right now. But Pandya is a very talanted cricketer. Just need some patience with him.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

Jadeja for ashwin.
Pandya should be a permanent part of playing x1.

 

[jeeteshssaxena]

We also lost 3 matches when he was in the team. Don't forget that too.

Playing both strengthens our batting? Really? I would rather play a specialist batsman than a bits and pieces player who can't perform consistently. Jadeja at least is a pretty good bowler. Has an average of 23 with the ball and 33 with the bat. Compared to that Pandya so far has an average of 31 with the bat and ball. So where do you see Pandya as a test player in 5 years?

Pandyas avg is 31 after playing all matches in outside india bar one.
If he plays some matches in india his batting avg will reach 40+.

 

[Ab Fan]

<B>What are the chances of Hardik Pandya's return to test cricket?</B>

Now that Pandya is fit and recovered from injury, what are his chances of return in the Indian test team? Will he play in the XI in the Australia tour or have to warm the bench? Who will be dropped- Jaddu, Ash or Vihari?

 

[Saurav]

<B>What are the chances of Hardik Pandya's return to test cricket?</B>

Now that Pandya is fit and recovered from injury, what are his chances of return in the Indian test team? Will he play in the XI in the Australia tour or have to warm the bench? Who will be dropped- Jaddu, Ash or Vihari?

If he's fit he'll come in for Vihari or Rahane

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

If he's fit he'll come in for Vihari or Rahane

That doesn't make any sense. Why should he replace a specialist batsman? Specialist batsman should be replaced by another specialist batsman.

 

[Saurav]

That doesn't make any sense. Why should he replace a specialist batsman? Specialist batsman should be replaced by another specialist batsman.

Specialist batsmen arent doing anything special.Check NZ tour

Pandya was the designated AR in England tour he last played.So he'll get his place back

We were playing a bowler short and extra batsmen because of his absence

 

[RamLakhan]

Pandya can play as a specialist batsman in Indian test matches! Rahane/Vihari are not doing anything better. He can give that additional dimension to the team and can score some quick runs when needed! But he should not be asked bowl lot of overs (We should continue to have 3rd seamer in home tests unless we include a 3rd spinner on absolute spinning tracks!) Playing in home test matches is the best way to improve your batting, concentration & consistency! Some posters thinking this way in this thread are right!

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Pandya can play as a specialist batsman in Indian test matches! Rahane/Vihari are not doing anything better. He can give that additional dimension to the team and can score some quick runs when needed! But he should not be asked bowl lot of overs (We should continue to have 3rd seamer in home tests unless we include a 3rd spinner on absolute spinning tracks!) Playing in home test matches is the best way to improve your batting, concentration & consistency! Some posters thinking this way in this thread are right!

Forget about getting quick runs he should first learn to contribute with the bat more. Can't believe rather than giving chances to specialist batsman like Gill our fans are hell bent on giving chances to an average cricketer like Pandya as a specialist batsman. Also at home Jadeja should/will always be preferred over Pandya.

If you really want to give confidence to youngsters at home then give it to Gill/Jaiswal/Shaw etc. Pandya already has so much confidence but still performs like an average cricketer. India didn't miss his services in either ODI's/Tests. He can continue representing India in T20's though because that's the only format where his 16-20 runs per match or 3 wkts in 2 matches would be useful.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Overall it's jadeja.

 

[tyron_woodley]

jadeja is going to be a freaking all time great. People need to accept it. Look at his figures. Ridiculous. Matchwinning spinner in Asian conditions and a good containment bowler in SENA.

jadeja is a phenomenal player, athlete and person. Haters can suck his you know what it is.

 

[tyron_woodley]

pandya is only useful for one job in tests. Balance.
we needed him for new zeland series just for adding balance and giving our strike bowlers rest. He can bat a little bit which helps.

He could be our version of CDG I hope one day.

I do not rate pandya but he is useful.

 

[Ab Fan]

India must win atleast one match in Australia tour and for that to happen, they need a clear picture of playing XI before the tour. Rohit will be back but not sure how he will do against Aussies attack in Australia.

Can India not try Shaw at 5 or 6? Rohit and Mayank anyways will be preferred at top. Rahane will also be persisted and Jadeja can be given a nod ahead of Ashwin. Anyways, ultimately it will all be pointless because in the current Indian team, everyone performs the best level at home and Sri Lanka and Windies but fails everywhere barring a couple of players in their team.

 

[sweep_shot]

Jadeja is better.

Hardik reminds me of Robin Singh.

 

[Rajdeep]

Considering Pandya is 2nd best all rounder in the world and Jadeja is not even in top 5, I would pick Pandya anyday. Some players are born with that xfactor which seperate good from great players and Pandya has got that ability. I get a feeling that a lot of people dislike Pandya due to his off field antics but one simply cant fault him as a cricketer. A top talent and will go a long way provided he keeps his behaviour in check.

 

[Ab Fan]

Considering Pandya is 2nd best all rounder in the world and Jadeja is not even in top 5, I would pick Pandya anyday. Some players are born with that xfactor which seperate good from great players and Pandya has got that ability. I get a feeling that a lot of people dislike Pandya due to his off field antics but one simply cant fault him as a cricketer. A top talent and will go a long way provided he keeps his behaviour in check.

Pandya is not 2nd best all-rounder in the world. Stokes and Shakib are top two. In tests, Stokes, Jadeja and Shakib.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Why can't you play both.

Today they showed how well they can bat and accelerate when required.

 

[tyron_woodley]

No one will listen but in places like SENA you should play Hardik, Shankar and Jadeja. Trust me. Balance is key. Even a piece chucker trundlers is ok as long as he can bowl and give rest to main bowlers. He can get some random wickets when players try to hit him out.

 

[tyron_woodley]

Jadeja is better btw in all formats to me.

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Good win for india inspite of series loss..hopefully it will turn things around as it's a long tour ..jadeja and Pandiya can be huge assets to this team in the long run ..plays at difficult positions ..<a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@bcci</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/JayShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JayShah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ThakurArunS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ThakurArunS</a></p>— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) <a href="https://twitter.com/SGanguly99/status/1334174134884913152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[Saurav]

Why can't you play both.

Today they showed how well they can bat and accelerate when required.

Its about Tests. Obviously both should play ODIs

Pandya if unable to bowl shouldnt play

 

[Saurav]

No one will listen but in places like SENA you should play Hardik, Shankar and Jadeja. Trust me. Balance is key. Even a piece chucker trundlers is ok as long as he can bowl and give rest to main bowlers. He can get some random wickets when players try to hit him out.

Only one of them.Here Jadeja to bowl long overs and hold an end.