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India's legendary cricketer and World Cup winner Madan Lal has stressed on the importance of Hardik Pandya stepping up with both bat and ball in his new leadership role for the Indian T20I team. Pandya's ascension to captaincy followed India's semi-final defeat in the 2022 T20 World Cup held in Australia.
Pandya's recent performance faced scrutiny after India's 3-2 series loss against the West Indies. At an event in Mumbai, Madan Lal expressed confidence in Hardik's potential captaincy but voiced concerns about his recent form. "See, he definitely could be the next captain, the way he is going about leading in T20Is. But my concern is not that. Hardik has to perform...where is the Hardik Pandya that scored 92 against Australia? That sort of form I want to see Hardik in," Madan Lal mentioned in an interview with Hindustan Times.
With the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup scheduled between September to November, Pandya's role becomes vital for the Indian side. Madan Lal voiced his relief on seeing Pandya return to bowling, emphasizing his significance for India's dream of reclaiming the ODI World Cup after a 12-year hiatus. "At the same time, I am very happy that he is bowling. We need him bowling in the World Cup as that sixth bowler... Hardik has to ensure that he does well," Lal elaborated.
On another note, Madan Lal expressed his discontent over the exclusion of R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal from the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023. Despite their absence from the 17-member squad for the upcoming tournament, captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar conveyed that the spinners' World Cup prospects remain intact.
Lal, emphasizing the duo's experience and capabilities, shared his views during a chat with PTI in Mumbai. "Australia have played Kuldeep Yadav very well. Yuzvendra Chahal should have got a chance. He is a match-winning bowler," he pointed out, emphasizing the spinners' worth in the team.
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