Overview
- Speaking on his AB de Villiers 360 channel on January 4, the former South Africa captain called Pandya “the big pivotal player” and noted he is in India’s T20 World Cup squad.
- He stressed Pandya’s versatility, saying the all-rounder can bowl in any situation and bat anywhere in the order.
- De Villiers said opponents feel immediate pressure when Pandya enters, describing his bowling as a “golden arm” and a useful option for captain Suryakumar Yadav.
- Recent returns were cited in support, including a maiden List A 133 off 92 for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with a 34-run over and 142 T20I runs against South Africa at a 186.84 strike rate with two fifties.
- He also highlighted notable omissions from India’s squad, mentioning Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jitesh Sharma as unlucky to miss out.