Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has predicted that Hardik Pandya will be a key player for India during their T20 World Cup campaign, despite his disappointing performance in IPL 2024 with Mumbai Indians (MI). Hardik struggled in his new role as MI’s captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma, as the team finished last with only four wins.
Got the win! Credit to the team, super effort from everyone out there. We focus on the next game now 💙 pic.twitter.com/w7EtUF6JgS
— hardik pandya (@hardikpandya7) May 6, 2024
Hardik Pandya, A Crucial Asset For India?
“He will be a completely different player once he gets into that Indian team jersey. There is no doubt he did not have a good IPL season but he is very crucial to the Indian team. You know, having a fast bowling all-rounding option and his hitting ability to spin on other grounds which are not that big in West Indies, so Hardik Pandya can play a crucial role in India’s T20 World Cup campaign,” said Parthiv.
Speaking at the Legends Intercontinental T20 League launch, Parthiv expressed confidence in Hardik’s ability to rebound from his tough IPL season. He believes that Hardik transforms when playing for India, highlighting his pace bowling and skill against spinners as crucial assets for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In IPL 2024, Hardik had one of his worst seasons with the bat, scoring just 216 runs in 14 matches with an average of 18 and a strike rate of 143.05. Although he took 11 wickets, his bowling economy rate was 10.75, with an average of 35.18.
Hardik’s experience in the West Indies includes six T20I matches, where he has scored 99 runs and taken six wickets at an average of 22.17. As the vice-captain of the Indian team for the tournament, Hardik is expected to play a significant role in the middle order.
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