Hardik Pandya‘s role in the upcoming T20 World Cup is being viewed as crucial as that of Yuvraj Singh during India’s victorious campaigns in the 2007 T20 World Cup and the 2011 ODI World Cup. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has emphasized the significance of Hardik’s all-round abilities and believes that his performance could be the key to India’s success in the tournament.
“When India won the World Cup in 2011 and 2007 (T20), Yuvraj Singh’s role was very crucial. So they will be hoping that Hardik Pandya steps up as an all-rounder,” Jaffer told ESPNCricinfo. “The role of both Hardik and Shivam Dube will be very crucial. Even Jadeja and Axar as all-rounders will be important where you may play two left-arm spinners.”
The Importance of All-Rounders
Jaffer underscored the importance of having effective all-rounders in the team, stating that their versatility can provide balance and depth to the squad. He particularly highlighted the roles of Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja as essential to India’s strategy.
“I think Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and Ravindra Jadeja all three will definitely play. You can unleash Axar Patel too against sides that you feel are a bit weak against spin. But the aforementioned three all-rounders will definitely play according to me,” Jaffer added.
Hardik Pandya’s Recent Form
After a disappointing IPL 2024 season where his team, Mumbai Indians, finished at the bottom of the points table, Hardik Pandya bounced back in style during the warm-up match against Bangladesh. Pandya scored an unbeaten 40 off 23 balls, including a hat-trick of sixes off Tanvir Islam, demonstrating his batting capabilities just before the T20 World Cup. This performance silenced his critics and boosted confidence in his ability to perform under pressure.
Expectations and Comparisons to Yuvraj Singh
Jaffer drew comparisons between Hardik Pandya’s expected role and Yuvraj Singh’s legendary performances in past World Cups. Yuvraj Singh was instrumental in India’s 2007 T20 World Cup win with his explosive batting and vital contributions in the 2011 ODI World Cup. Similarly, Pandya is expected to deliver match-winning performances with both bat and ball.
“The role of both Hardik and Shivam Dube will be very crucial. Even Jadeja and Axar as all-rounders will be important where you may play two left-arm spinners,” Jaffer reiterated, highlighting the importance of all-rounders in India’s strategy.
India’s Likely Playing XI Against Ireland
Based on the discussion, Wasim Jaffer also suggested a probable playing XI for India’s match against Ireland, emphasizing the inclusion of multiple all-rounders. His suggested lineup is as follows:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Hardik Pandya
- Shivam Dube
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Arshdeep Singh
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