Hardik Pandya’s underwhelming performances in Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) have raised concerns about his form leading into the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Despite scoring only 197 runs and taking just six wickets for the struggling Mumbai Indians, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes fans shouldn’t be worried.
Hardik Pandya: Different Beast in Blues?
Sunil Gavaskar expects a complete transformation from Hardik Pandya when he dons the Indian jersey. “There’s a big difference playing in the IPL and playing for your country. Playing for your country brings out something different in every player and Hardik Pandya will be a different player,” he stated to Sports Today.
He believes the pressure and atmosphere of international cricket will motivate Pandya to perform at his peak.
Leadership Role and Positive Mindset
The recent appointment of Pandya as India’s T20 World Cup vice-captain could also be a factor. Sunil Gavaskar feels facing challenges during his IPL captaincy has prepared Pandya for a leadership role on the global stage.
India Cricket Team Built for Success
Looking at the entire squad, Sunil Gavaskar is confident in India’s chances of winning the World Cup. He highlights the team’s balance, featuring experienced players, explosive batsmen, and a diverse bowling attack.
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IPL as Preparation Ground for T20 World Cup
Sunil Gavaskar views the IPL as a valuable training ground for the upcoming World Cup. Players will be in good rhythm coming off a long season, with bowlers having ample practice and batsmen finding form. He believes the short break before the World Cup will allow them to refresh without losing their edge.
Can Hardik Pandya Deliver?
While Sunil Gavaskar’s optimism is encouraging, the question remains: will Hardik Pandya truly transform on the international stage? The upcoming World Cup will be the ultimate test for Pandya, and his performance will determine if he can silence his critics and contribute significantly to India’s title run.
India Squad for T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma (Captain), Hardik Pandya (Vice Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj.
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