Harbhajan Singh highlighted Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant as key players for India in the Super 8s, praising Pandya’s improved performance in the World Cup.
Team India has advanced to the Super Eight stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup with an unbeaten record, securing three consecutive wins. They topped Group A with seven points after their final match against Canada was abandoned due to a wet outfield.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh praised India for their performance so far. He highlighted the importance of players stepping up in critical moments, particularly in the match against Pakistan. Harbhajan emphasized that key players, like Jasprit Bumrah, played crucial roles in turning the game around and securing the win.
“The biggest positive is that when you are in trouble, how do you get out of it? One or the other player raised his hand and did his job that day. Jasprit Bumrah’s spell, Rizwan hit a bad shot and got out, after that the energy team showed up was commendable. All those who were asleep they woke up and pulled the match from that situation while defending a small score. It was not a common thing to win the match against Pakistan from their claws,” he said on Star Sports.
Harbhajan also praised vice-captain Hardik Pandya and wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant for their performances. Pandya, who had a disappointing IPL 2024, has been impressive in the World Cup, taking crucial wickets. Pant, promoted to No. 3 in the batting order, is currently India’s top scorer with 96 runs.
“The biggest positive is that Hardik Pandya took the wicket. He was the fourth bowler in this tournament. But if you look at his wicket tally, he has done much better than what was expected of him,” Harbhajan said.
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“Along with him, Rishabh Pant played at number 3. His role was completely changed. Before this World Cup, we were saying that Sanju Samson would play in the team because he has made big runs. To make Rishabh Pant play at number 3 is a big positive. The left-Right combination is formed when Rishabh Pant plays at number 3,” he continued.
“There are a lot of positives. Of course, there are challenges and difficulties. But the challenges come in front of those who are brave. This team is a team of brave players. They fought well and played very well. Because of this, they topped the group,” the 2007 World Cup-winner added.
India will face Australia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh in the Super 8 stage, starting with a match against Afghanistan in Barbados on June 20.
Last Updated on June 17, 2024
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