IND vs AUS: Matthew Hayden rates Marcus Stoinis 'better than' Hardik Pandya

Before, both the countries lock horns in the first T20I, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has rated Marcus Stoinis above India's promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya

After mauling the Aussies in their own backyard, the men-in-blue are all set to host them for a 2-match T20I series followed by a 5-match ODI rubber. Kohli and his men left no stone unturned in outclassing the defending World Champions.

The Australia tour of India begins from Sunday with the first T20I in Vishakhapatnam. Before, both the countries lock horns, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden has rated Marcus Stoinis above India's promising all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

“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, comparing the two pace-bowling all-rounders.

“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.

On the expected Chahal vs Maxwell duel, Hayden said, "Maxwell is a player who has struggled when playing in Indian conditions. His IPL performances have not been quite impactful. In the perspective of ODIs and Test matches, Maxwell has achieved one excellent 100. But Chahal is developing into a world-class spinner and possesses plenty of variation."

“Maxwell often comes in through the middle stages where he will really need to pump up the pace and Chahal has got variation, so I will get Chahal to babysit," he commented when asked about the rivalry between Maxwell and Chahal and who would "babysit" (dominate) whom.