Former India batter Robin Uthappa said he believes India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya carries the same on-field energy as West Indies legend Sir Vivian Richards and serves as an example for young players.
“His energy on the field is exactly like Viv Richards,” Uthappa said on the Star Sports show. “He comes in with that swagger, and it’s a great attitude for youngsters to learn from. That is the energy the opposition feels, a sense of intimidation even before you’ve faced a ball. It’s a phenomenal attitude to carry.”
After missing the tour of Australia, Pandya made a splendid comeback in the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa. The Baroda-based cricketer had been out of action since the Asia Cup 2025 due to injury.
Pandya enjoyed a brilliant series, earning the Player of the Match award twice in the four matches played. In the first match, he scored 59 off 28 balls, which helped India post a strong total. In the final match, he became the second-fastest Indian to score a fifty, reaching the milestone in 16 balls. The dynamic batter finished the series with 164 runs from three innings at an average of 71.
Former South Africa seamer Dale Steyn also said that Hardik possesses an unmatched aura.
“Hardik was fantastic, he’s transcended from sportsman to celebrity territory, walking out like a superhero in a scripted movie plot where nobody alters his plan,” Steyn told the broadcasters. “It’s not a bad attitude; it’s pure dominance, an aura where nobody else can match what he does. You see it in his stance and presence, he is operating at another level mentally, unbreakable in a game that is all about mental battles. All these players are skilled, but he has elevated himself beyond that.”
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