Hardik Pandya has been one of the best players for India in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 so far. Just days after the nightmare campaign in IPL 2024, the Indian all-rounder once again proved his worth with his brilliant bowling displays in the T20 World Cup.
All eyes were on Hardik Pandya after his struggle in the IPL, but he responded in style. He is India’s highest wicket-taker in the tournament, ahead of the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. He has caused problems for opposing hitters with his line and length on the two-pace pitch in New York and will look to continue his good streak.
In 3 games so far, Hardik Pandya has taken 7 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of less than 6. With the India vice-captain doing well in the T20 World Cup, former fast bowler S Sreesanth has praised him and He compared him to Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis.
“The way Hardik bowls, he doesn’t look like a part-time bowler. He can pick the new ball and he can bowl those cutters. I think he is doing what Stoinis is doing for the Australia team: getting those crucial balls. wickets and bowling in those crucial overs, I think it is very important for an all-rounder,” Sreesanth told ANI.
S Sreesanth on trolling faced by Hardik Pandya:
S Sreesanth also spoke about the trolling and abuse that Hardik Pandya faced during the IPL campaign. Fans had attacked him throughout the campaign to express their displeasure over Rohit Sharma being replaced by him as captain of the Mumbai Indians. Hardik Pandya’s struggle as captain and all-rounder only made things worse for him.
Sreesanth said that the entire country is now supporting the all-rounder and also said that he cannot be compared with any other player. He said Pandya has the ability to single-handedly win games with his batting, bowling or fielding. He also said that Hardik Pandya has the ability to keep players together, apparently indirectly attacking Rohit Sharma over his MI issue.
“When you play for Mumbai Indians, only Mumbai supports him, and when he plays for India, the entire country supports him. With all due respect to the fans, the energy he brings makes us love him even more.
“There is no comparison with Hardik Pandya. That person can win matches with fielding, he can win matches with bowling and he can win matches with batting. His performance improves when the match is good. He keeps the players together. “That is one great quality. The IPL is over and now India is playing. I will just say that the IPL was a practice match and this is to win the World Cup,” Sreesanth said.
Meanwhile, India have already sealed their place in the Super 8s by winning their first three group stage matches. They will face Canada in their final group match in Florida before flying to the Caribbeans for the next stage of the tournament.
