Harbhajan Singh shared that Hardik Pandya will rediscover his form at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup despite a disappointing IPL 2024 season.
Hardik Pandya, who underwent ankle surgery after the 2023 ODI World Cup, returned to competitive cricket in February but struggled with both bat and ball while leading the Mumbai Indians. Mumbai finished last in the IPL standings, failing to qualify for the playoffs.
However, Harbhajan Singh expects a different Pandya to take the field for India. “When he wears that blue jersey, he will be a different Hardik Pandya. We know he can score those runs and take those wickets,” Harbhajan Singh told PTI.
“I want Hardik to come good as he has gone through a lot. I wish him all the very best to have a very good tournament for India. If he has a good tournament, obviously India will have a great chance to go forward,” Harbhajan added.
Harbhajan however, significantly downplayed the significance of Pandya’s IPL performance, stating, “No matter what you have done in your IPL career or previously, this is what counts the most.”
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India’s pace attack, however, remained a concern for Harbhajan, especially with the absence of the in-form Jasprit Bumrah. “Pace attack definitely could be a concern because Bumrah is in a different league. He doesn’t need conditions to perform, whereas other bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj would need help from the pitch,” added the former spinner.
“If there’s bounce, Siraj might do well. But if the wickets are slow then the challenge begins for other bowlers. There will be a lot of responsibility on Bumrah’s shoulders, but I hope other guys also take responsibility to be someone special,” concluded Singh.
Last Updated on May 28, 2024
