Hardik Pandya: All-rounder could be answer for MS Dhoni against Australia in T20s

New Delhi: Australia bound Hardik Pandya has further enhanced his reputation after making another knock count for Baroda in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Super League.

In-form Pandya who plays for the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League, was selected for the upcoming T20 series against Australia. With India struggling in the ODIs, Pandya can just be the person who can deliver the goods for MS Dhoni in the three-match T20 series.

Pandya's all-round skills have been a bright spot for Baroda who beat Vidharbha on Friday. After playing a match-winning role with both bat and ball against Delhi, Pandya struck an unbeaten 86 against Vidharbha.

The promising youngster's form couldn't have come at a better time with the Australia series round the corner. Pandya can solve Dhoni's problems by playing as a bowling all-rounder in the side.

Pandya saw himself getting selected ahead of Stuart Binny in the side and with Ravindra Jadeja and the untested Gurkeerat Singh being the only recognised spin bowling all-rounders, the youngster has a strong case for being picked.

India have struggled with their bowling and therefore lost the first two ODIs despite putting runs on the board. Pandya's inclusion in the side can bring some stability in the bowling department for Dhoni who is in dire need of someone who can chip in and get wickets in the middle.

Pandya will hope he makes the cut in the starting XI against the Aussies and given his form he has a good chance ahead of a spinning all-rounder.

For now Pandya will hope he keeps impressing everybody around with his match-winning abilities in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy as that can give him more confidence for the crucial T20 series.