Hardik Pandya had a tough time in IPL 2024, where he played for the Mumbai Indians. His team finished at the bottom of the 10-team points table. As an all-rounder and captain, Hardik Pandya poor performance led many to question his selection for the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite the criticism, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar defended the decision to include him in the national team.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s Defense of Hardik Pandya
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Hardik Pandya’s past performances in World Cups justify his selection. Manjrekar pointed out Hardik’s significant contributions in the 2019 World Cup, especially his 60 runs at a strike rate of 190 in the semi-final against Pakistan. According to Manjrekar, Hardik is a “big-match player” who performs well under pressure when playing for India, unlike his recent IPL struggles.
Sanjay Bangar’s Support for Hardik Pandya
Former India batter Sanjay Bangar also supported Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Bangar emphasized that Hardik’s past achievements for India should be the focus, rather than his recent IPL form. Bangar highlighted Hardik’s exceptional World Cup record and his valuable contributions across all formats of cricket. He mentioned that Hardik’s presence significantly improves the balance of the Indian team.
Hardik Pandya’s Ability to Perform for India
Both Manjrekar and Bangar agree that Hardik Pandya has the potential to excel in the T20 World Cup despite his recent IPL performance. They believe that playing for India will help Hardik feel more relaxed and perform better. His past performances in World Cups and other international matches demonstrate his ability to rise to the occasion and deliver under pressure, making him a crucial player for India in the upcoming tournament.
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