Jacques Kallis thinks Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes can change the fate of their respective teams

Former South African cricketer Jacques Kallis thinks England's Ben Stokes and India's Hardik Pandya are the best all-rounders in contemporary cricket. The former star answered the question of who is the best all-rounder among them.

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Kallis claims that Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes are world-class all-rounders. Both of them are bringing out the best for their team. Kallis told NDTV that it is a healthy competition between the two. Jacques Kallis, who has been a strong all-rounder throughout his career, said that Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes belong to a rare breed of players who need to be looked after. He believes that both Pandya and Stokes will make a big impact on their respective team's fortunes in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. Both the all-rounders seem to have the same style.

Hardik Pandya vs Ben Stokes

28-year-old Hardik Pandya, who plays for India in all three formats, is one of the most impactful players in contemporary cricket. He has 532 runs and 17 wickets with a century in 11 Tests in his career. Besides he also has the best record in IPL. Meanwhile, 31-year-old Ben Stokes is an all-rounder who is already being described as a modern-day great. The player has a good record, especially in Tests. Scored 5429 runs in 86 matches with 12 centuries, one double century, and 28 fifties. He also took 192 wickets.

Speaking to NDTV, Kallis said, "These two (Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes) are world-class all-rounders. All-rounders are something you need to look after; they don't come around often. I am sure both of them will play a big role for their respective teams. It will be a good battle between both of them,"

Meanwhile, India and South Africa are currently playing a three-match T20I series to prepare for the global event. The former South African all-rounder feels conditions will be different in Australia but the current series will be crucial for their chances in the World Cup. He looked hopeful about his countrymen's prospects in the tournament, backing the going through bad times captain Temba Bavuma.

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"I think the team will back him. The coach has come out saying they will back him. And it is a totally different competition, his focus should be entirely on the World Cup. The most important thing for him should be to focus on the World Cup," said Kallis.