World Cup: Here's what Steve Waugh said about Hardik Pandya
What's the story
While India are off to an amazing start in the ICC World Cup 2019, the focus would be on some of the top players in the side, from whom fans have high expectations.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya is one of the impact players, who has match-winning attributes.
Meanwhile, former Australian legend Steve Waugh feels Pandya has all it takes to dominate this tournament.
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Pandya's innings will send shivers down opposition spines: Waugh
"This guy (Pandya) might just be the equivalent of Lance Klusener in the 1999 World Cup. He has the ability to begin his innings like most finish, with clean hitting that no opposing captain can protect," Waugh wrote in his column for ICC.
Quickfire
Pandya played a quickfire knock against Australia
Pandya is enjoying a good form. He smashed a 27-ball 48 against Australia on Sunday, propelling India to a mammoth total of 352/5, as India won by 36 runs.
The knock included four fours and three sixes, which reminded Waugh of Lance Klusener's stint for South Africa during the 1999 World Cup.
Klusener went berserk at the death and had a strike-rate of 122.17.
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Waugh believes solid opening start for India the key
"When they (India) get off to solid opening partnership, as they did against Australia, they then have the luxury of seeing Virat Kohli orchestrate the remainder of the innings," Waugh further noted.
Aussies favorites
Waugh feels Australia still favorites despite loss against India
Although Australia suffered their opening loss of the tournament at the hands of India, Waugh feels that it does not make any difference as they are still the title contenders.
"Australia won't be too disappointed as they have time to dissect this loss, fine-tune their process, tinker with batting orders and bowling options and manoeuvre things around before the semi-finals come around," concluded Waugh.