Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif backed Hardik Pandya’s selection in the T20 World Cup squad. He also hailed him as the most impactful watch winner in ICC events. He also highlighted Pandya’s performance against Pakistan and the Asia Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) appointed Hardik as vice-captain of the Rohit Sharma-led India team on Apirl 30.
Kaif backs Hardik Pandya
By recalling Pandya’s performance during India’s match against Pakistan, Kaif said he surpassed even Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Kaif also highlighted his finishing prowess in the final over against Mohammad Nawaz in Melbourne in the T20 World Cup 2022. In this match, Virat Kohli scored 82 runs off 53 balls and Pandya smashed 40 runs and claimed three wickets. Meanwhile, Suryakumar scored 15 runs off 10 balls.
“I consider Hardik Pandya to be the most impactful match winner in ICC events, surpassing even Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Recall the India vs Pakistan matches. In Melbourne, Virat Kohli scored 82 runs, but it was Hardik Pandya who forged a crucial 40-run partnership and took three wickets. In the Asia Cup, during the match against Pakistan, Hardik Pandya showcased his finishing prowess by delivering in the final over against Nawaz, rescuing the team after Dinesh Karthik and Jadeja were dismissed," Kaif told Star Sports.
'It's crucial to understand that this isn't the IPL'
Kaif also backed the all-rounder to do well in the T20 World Cup 2024, which will begin in June in the USA and West Indies. He also compared T20 World Cup games to Indian Premier League (IPL) matches.
"Yes, 100%. It's a very balanced side. However, it's crucial to understand that this isn't the IPL. In the IPL, you have 14 league matches, if you lose games, you can always come back and win the trophy. But, the World Cup format is different; weaker teams face off in the initial stages. Suddenly, you enter into the semi-finals against formidable opponents like Pakistan or England. To win the trophy, you must triumph in two significant matches. The question is, are we prepared for those decisive moments? Historically, we haven’t excelled in such situations. This poses a real challenge for Rohit Sharma and the team,” Kaif further added.
However, Pandya’s performance in the ongoing IPL has been under scrutiny. He managed to score just 197 runs in 10 matches at an average of 21 and claimed only six wickets so far.
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