The T20 World Cup is still three and a half months away. India still has a few more series ahead of the World Cup to be held in Australia in October 2022. Former Indian cricket team captain Sunil Gavaskar feels Hardik Pandya has the potential to be a game-changer in not only the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, but every match. He wants to see the 28-year-old all-rounder bowling with the new ball.
Hardik Pandya made a comeback in T20 International on Friday i.e. 9 June 2022 from the match against South Africa. Hardik scored an unbeaten 31 off 12 balls to help India post a score of 211 for 4 in 20 overs. It is a different matter that India lost that match by 7 wickets, but Sunil Gavaskar was very impressed with Hardik Pandya.
Speaking about the performance of this all-rounder on Star Sports, the former Indian skipper said, “I think he is going to be a game-changer for India, not more often than not, but in all the matches to come. Not just the World Cup, but every single match India has to play. Even if he bats at No. Whether he comes to bowl first or second change. I would really like to see him with the new ball sometime.’
During the show, former South Africa captain Graeme Smith was asked if India needed a finisher Hardik more than all-rounder Hardik. Graeme Smith, while answering the question, said that Hardik’s all-rounder ability brings balance to the Indian team. Graeme Smith said, ‘No, I disagree. You also need a finisher, but I think Hardik Pandya’s all-rounder package gives India a choice.
“Hardik Pandya can give you the option of feeding an extra spinner or a bowler less and building up the batting. You are going into the World Cup, I think having him as a complete all-rounder is the key to the balance of the Indian team.