‘Will take time for Hardik to make his mark’

“We have seen that with someone like a (Jacques) Kallis. It’s a really difficult job to be a frontline bowler and a frontline batsman. What tends to happen is that, in one season, batting will make big strides and in the next season, it might be the bowling that catches up,” said Styris during a promotional event here. 

“Indians are only scratching the surface on what he can do and how good he can be. He could be the next Kapil Dev in this country but he is nowhere close to that level yet,” added the former Kiwi all-rounder.  

Pandya, who didn’t disturb the wickets column as a bowler in the first Test against England at Edgbaston, notched up a combined tally of 53 runs in both the innings. He was also Ben Stokes’ last scalp of the match in which India suffered its narrowest defeat (in runs) of the century.  

Speaking on what the Surat-based lad should do to take his game to the next level, he remarked, “It’s not so much learning (from your opponent) but little motivation more than anything. Pandya’s got to believe in himself that he is the best all-rounder on the pitch. You can have these mini battles (referring to the comparisons with Ben Stokes).” 

The 43-year-old stated it is up to the coaching staff of the Indian cricket team to shape him into a priceless asset. “I would love to see him dominate the IPL. Once he starts doing that, he will start dominating in Indian colours. No matter who you are, your game only evolves over time. The skill and talent is there and it is now time for coaches to chip in and make him better.”  

Captain Virat Kohli did the majority of the scoring for India, which enabled him to ascend to the top of the Test Rankings for batsmen. Asked if the team is over-reliant on the skipper for getting the runs on the board, Styris refused. “No. I don’t think so. It was a game where Kohli was just exceptional. The others in the batting line-up are fantastic as well. They just didn’t score runs. Playing in England is always a challenge and you will have to be very good defensively. Perhaps, that is what India will be working on ahead of the second Test,” he signed off.