Hardik Pandya's on-field energy is like Sir Viv Richards; he instills fear in opposition: Robin Uthappa

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa was effusive in praise for India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, likening him to West Indies great Viv Richards, stating that he instills fear in the opposition with his bravado and swagger.

His remarks came after Pandya smashed a record, counterattacking 25-ball 63 with five fours and as many sixes and also dismissed the dangerous Dewald Brevis with the ball against South Africa in fifth and final T20I of the five-match series in Ahmedabad on December 19. Pandya reached

his half-century in merely 16 balls, becoming India’s second-fastest half-centurion after Yuvraj Singh (12 balls vs England in 2007).

 “His energy on the field is exactly like Sir Viv Richards. He comes in with that swagger, and it’s a great attitude for youngsters to learn from. That’s the energy the opposition feels, a sense of intimidation even before you’ve played a ball. It’s a phenomenal attitude to carry," Uthappa said on JioStar.

India clinched the five match T20I series 3-1 with a 30-run win against South Africa, guided home by Tilak Varma Hardik Pandya’s 100-run stand and Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy's clinical spells. 

Analysing India’s dominant show in the encounter further, Uthappa reckoned that Bumrah and Chakaravarthy’s spells were game-changing. He also lauded skipper Suryakumar Yadav for his sharp tactical moves and well-timed bowling changes as India regained control after South Africa briefly threatened to reach the target.

 “Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy were phenomenal on this wicket. Bumrah is India’s banker when things go sour, he gave just six runs in his first couple of overs, got the crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock when India desperately needed it, bringing us right back,” he said.

“Then Hardik dismissed Dewald Brevis in his second over, and Suryakumar showed great captaincy bringing Varun back—he got Aiden Markram immediately, followed by Donovan Ferreira and one more in quick time. What stands out about Varun is his ability to come back strong. He first hits his length, then attacks the batter’s weaknesses—that’s exactly what he executed brilliantly today,” he concluded.