South African legend, Lance Klusener, has lauded Hardik Pandya’s all-round abilities. Back in the day, Klusener himself was one of the best all-rounders in the game and could turn the match on its head with his abilities with the bat and the bowl.

Klusener praised the all-rounder’s innings of 93 in the first innings against the Proteas. That innings helped bring the match in balance and, according to Klusener, put the pressure back on the hosts. He also stated that the only way for the youngster is up as he can develop into one of the best in the future.

"I thought his knock in India's first innings was fantastic,” Klusener told PTI.

“His batting was excellent in the way he reversed pressure and put it back on South Africa. He is going to be fantastic for India. He is still developing and I think if he could add another yard of pace to his bowling, he would become a truly amazing all-rounder.”

The South African believes that Pandya is someone who likes to play aggressively and that should be encouraged even if he fails a few times.

"All the signs are there that he is developing into a fantastic all-round prospect. Sure, he is bound to fail a few times the way he plays, but it is better to encourage that positive approach than reel him in.”

He added that in the right surroundings, he can be nurtured into a great player—something that he will find a lot in both the Indian Premier League and the Indian cricket team.

"So, he is in good company, whether he plays for Mumbai Indians in IPL or in this Indian team, he is surrounded by a lot of good people. It is their responsibility to nurture him," he added.