Hardik Pandya smashed 47 runs during the final match of Bangladesh’s T20I series and ended the series on a high note at Hyderabad. He has had a tough start to the year so far, beset with fitness issues that have kept him away from international cricket, but a fine return in the IPL.
Yet, his decision to switch allegiance from Rohit Sharma to Mumbai Indians was controversial, and he was booed on most grounds by the fans when he was captaining and at Wankhede Stadium.
Redemption At The 2024 T20 World Cup
Pandya finally reached the category of the championship-winning squad of the 2024 T20 World Cup, when the 31-year-old all-rounder redeemed himself. With Rohit Sharma quitting the T20 format post the World Cup, Pandya was in the fray for the top job as the skipper permanently but the new coaching staff-including Head Coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar-didn’t consider so. Suryakumar Yadav was considered a safer choice.
Despite this setback, Hardik kept his performance feted. In the recently concluded three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, he scored 118 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 222.64.
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Praise For Pandya By The Experts
Veteran Australian spinner Brad Hogg has spoken of Hardik Pandya’s positive vibes about the new captaincy holder Suryakumar Yadav. He said that he has blossomed as a batsman once he took his role seriously. “He’s starting to expand with the bat and has shown his true form,” said Hogg on his YouTube channel.
A more welcome aspect has been that Pandya is an all-rounder who does put in some considerable depth to both his batting and bowling. “If you’re looking to be a real force in T20Is, you need your middle overs from your medium-pace all-rounders. Hardik brings that crucial balance,” he concluded.
Hardik Pandya’s great form continues unabated, and with each match, his value to the Indian cricket team becomes more apparent; hence, he remains an integral player going ahead.
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