England vs India: Hardik Pandya cannot be compared with once-in-a century cricketer Kapil Dev, says Sunil Gavaskar

Former India captain and batting great Sunil Gavaskar refuted the constant comparisons between Kapil Dev and Hardik Pandya, saying the World Cup-winning all-rounder is a once-in-a-century type of cricketer and should not be compared to anyone.

“Kapil Dev should not be compared with anyone. He is not just a once-in-generation player but a once-in-a-century cricketer just like Sir Don Bradman and Sachin Tendulkar. We should not compare him with anyone,” said Gavaskar on Aaj Tak as quoted by PTI.

The former opener questioned the comparisons between the two by some experts, adding that Hardik has just started his career.

Gavaskar was unpleased with Shikhar Dhawan, who he feels has now become a liability in the Indian Test team. Dhawan scored 26 and 13 in the first Test against England and struggled against the moving ball.

“Shikhar simply does not want to change his game,” said the 69-year-old. “He believes in playing in the same manner which has brought him success till now. You can still get away with such shots in one-day cricket because there aren’t many slips and the push or the edge goes for a boundary through the slip cordon.

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“But in Tests, such shots will only result in fall of a wicket. Till a player makes a mental adjustment, he will continue to struggle against the red ball in overseas conditions,” added the former Right-hander.

India lost the opening Test at Edgbaston by 31 runs. Chasing 193 to win, the visitors were bundled out for 162, with skipper Virat Kohli the lone batsmen to make a half-century. The World No.1 also made a fabulous 149 in the first innings dragging India close to England’s first-innings total even after a series of wickets had left them staring at a big defeat.

Gavaskar though believes that India can stage a comeback by winning the Test match at Lord’s.

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“For India to win the Lord’s Test, they need to win the toss and elect to bat. Look what had happened in the third Test at Johannesburg last year when South Africa, batting last against India, collapsed before reaching 200.

“Most of the teams are struggling to chase even a total anywhere near 200 in the final in. England too might have struggled if they were chasing in place of India in the first Test at Edgbaston,” said the cricketer-turned-commentator.

He also added that India should play an extra batsman in the form of Cheteshwar Pujara.

“I will play one more batsman at Lord’s in the form of Pujara. He has the technique and patience required for a Test match. Whose place he’ll take will depend on the pitch. If the wicket isn’t that green then I will pick him in place of Umesh Yadav and retain Hardik Pandya.”