Former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has opined that his countryman Marcus Stoinis is a better player than Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. His comments may create some physiological pressure in the mind of Hardik Pandya ahead of the India vs Australia T20 series that starts on 24th February in Visakhapatnam..
Stoinis was the third highest run getter for Australia in 2018 with 376 runs, scoring four fifties with a top score of 87. He was also the highest wicket taker with 13 wickets. While, Hardik Pandya was injured in the Asia cup in September after which he was ruled out of the action for whole year.
“Marcus Stoinis is developing into a world-class all-rounder. He is unlucky not to be playing a little bit more Test cricket. He has quality in his play, although Hardik is also a fine player,” Hayden said.
“Stoinis has adopted a wider approach to his game which is winning matches for his country. Hardik Pandya also has the same responsibility, but I think right now Stoinis is a better player,” Hayden, who is on the Star Sports’ commentary panel, was quoted as saying in a release.
Its worth mentioning that Indian Premier League has played a vital role in the career of both the all-rounders. Stoinis broke into the Australian team on the back of impressive all-round performance for Kings XI Punjab, while Hardik Pandya impressed for Mumbai Indians and was picked for the national team in 2016 without much domestic exposure.
