'Great asset' Hardik Pandya can be India's Ben Stokes, says Virat Kohli

Galle, July 30: Hardik Pandya could end India's search for a fast bowling all-rounder in Test cricket, according to captain Virat Kohli.

Day 4 report

The right-handed Pandya, who made his Test debut in Galle where India thrashed Sri Lanka by 304 runs yesterday (July 29), was praised by Kohli.

It was a decent first outing in India whites for Pandya as he scored a half century and took 1 wicket.

Impressed with his efforts, Kohli said the 23-year-old from Baroda could become like Ben Stokes for India. Earlier, Pandya had received his Test cap from Kohli.

What better to live moments which i often fantasized as a growing kid!
The Paramount to represent India in whites. #livingthedream #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/uEFiCXnXTv

— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) July 25, 2017

English all-rounder Stokes, who bats left-handed and bowls right arm, has emerged as one of the best all-rounders in recent times.

"I have a lot of faith in him (Hardik) as far as any format is concerned," Kohli said after India took a 1-0 lead in the 3-Test rubber.

"If he grows in confidence you see someone like Ben Stokes, what he does for England, brings in great balance as an all-rounder. I see no reason why Hardik Pandya can't become that for India," he added.

Proud moment for young @hardikpandya7 as he is all set to make his Test debut #TeamIndia #SLvIND pic.twitter.com/YTGTzQ0Z4y

— BCCI (@BCCI) July 26, 2017

The skipper described Pandya as a "great asset" in the Test team. "In the first innings, he didn't get opportunity to bowl much but I think in the second innings, he bowled really nicely on a wicket that wasn't offering much and he kept it in the right areas.

"He used the bouncer well. He bowls around 135 (kmph), so he is a great asset and I have mentioned this before as well.

"We would have been 540-550 in the first innings. He got those 50 runs quickly and that saves you time as well. That gives you another 15 overs to bowl at the opposition. And his fielding is also tremendous," Kohli said.

Before Test debut, Pandya had played 17 One Day Internationals and 19 Twenty20 Internationals for India.

The 2nd Test starts in Colombo on August 3 (Thursday).

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