(AFP Photo)
Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has expressed his belief that all-rounder Hardik Pandya has effectively silenced his critics ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, asserting that adversity only serves to fuel his emergence and brilliance.
Sidhu’s remarks followed Hardik Pandya’s standout display in India’s warm-up match against Bangladesh at the Nassau Cricket Stadium in New York on Sunday (June 1st).
Since the IPL 2024 season, Pandya has faced scrutiny for his subpar performances, particularly after assuming the captaincy of the Mumbai Indians from Rohit Sharma, a move that drew criticism from fans and coincided with a dip in his individual form.
Heading into the T20 World Cup, doubts loomed over Pandya’s form. However, donning the Indian jersey proved to be a turning point as he delivered a stellar batting performance, notching an unbeaten 40 off 23 balls to propel India to a formidable total of 182/5. His bowling contributions were also noteworthy, as he maintained good lines and lengths while also snatching a wicket, ultimately aiding India in securing a commanding 60-run victory.
Sidhu commended Pandya for his outstanding performance in the warm-up fixture, labeling him as a significant asset. Speaking to StarSports, Sidhu elaborated on Pandya’s resilience and contribution to the team’s success.
“There were many question marks over Hardik Pandya and they have been erased. The more you try to put Hardik Pandya down, the more he emerges and shines, just like a diamond shines after being continuously rubbed. Hardik Pandya is a great takeaway.”
Navjot Singh Sidhu elaborated that India’s decision to open with Sanju Samson in the warm-up match hinted at the likelihood of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli forming the opening pair in the T20 World Cup 2024. He emphasized that such a strategy would provide India with an additional bowling option. He further commented:
“If you were going to play Yashasvi in the next match, you would have given him practice. You would have hit him in the middle. So you are making it clear that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will open, which is a good sign in a way because it gives you the option to play five bowlers, with Hardik as the sixth.”
Pant was like greased lightning – Navjot Singh Sidhu
Navjot Singh Sidhu went on to affirm that Rishabh Pant has solidified his position as the designated wicketkeeper-batsman in the team following his stellar performance in the warm-up match. He praised Pant’s lightning-fast batting display, highlighting his complete mastery and control over his innings. Sidhu remarked:
“You made Sanju Samson open and batted Rishabh Pant at No. 3. So you were in the catch-22 situation of who to choose between the two, and that has been cleared. He (Pant) was like greased lightning. The sort of inning Pant played, totally in control,”
“He did whatever he wanted to and also played a no-look shot. It reminded me of Rohan Kanhai. Then he hit a one-handed six. It was his day and the attitude he showed.”
Rishabh Pant concluded his innings with a dynamic score of 53 runs from 32 balls, exhibiting a blistering strike rate exceeding 165. His innings featured an impressive display of power hitting, as he dispatched 4 fours and 4 sixes. In contrast, Sanju Samson could only muster a single run.