(Source X)
Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth has drawn comparisons between Hardik Pandya’s all-round prowess and that of legendary cricketer Yuvraj Singh, especially after Pandya’s impressive performances in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.
Pandya has been in exceptional form throughout the tournament, making significant contributions with both bat and ball. He has scored 116 runs at an average of 58 and a strike rate of 145. His bowling has also been impactful, claiming 8 wickets in six matches at an average of 19.62 and an economy rate of 7.47.
Notably, Pandya was named Player of the Match against Bangladesh, where he played a crucial role with a vital half-century and a wicket. In the Super 8 match against Australia, he contributed a valuable 27 off 17 balls, showcasing his ability to accelerate the innings late on.
His bowling has provided India with flexibility, allowing them to include three spinners in the lineup alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, with Pandya effectively fulfilling the role of the third seamer.
During an interview with Star Sports, S Sreesanth drew parallels between Hardik Pandya and Yuvraj Singh, suggesting that Pandya can fill a comparable role to what Yuvraj Singh played for India in the 2011 World Cup. Sreesanth expressed confidence in Pandya’s ability to contribute significantly to his team’s success and expressed his hope for Rohit Sharma’s team to clinch the trophy in the current tournament.
“The last conference where he (Rohit Sharma) said Hardik Pandya is a key player in the team. What Yuvraj Singh did in the 2011 as an all-rounder, with bat, with ball and his fielding, I think Hardik is very much capable of doing that in this T20 World Cup. I think none of us will be surprised if Rohit lifts the trophy,” Sreesanth said.
Yuvraj Singh was awarded the Player of the Tournament in the ODI World Cup 2011 due to his exceptional contributions with both bat and ball, pivotal in India securing their first World Cup title in 28 years.
Hardik Pandya faced scrutiny over his inclusion in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 following a challenging IPL 2024 season. Criticism mounted as he was tasked with replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ captain.
Previously, Pandya had a successful stint with Gujarat Titans, leading them to a championship and a runners-up finish over two years. However, in IPL 2024, his performance dipped, scoring 216 runs at an average of 18 and taking 11 wickets with an average of 35.18.
His captaincy for Mumbai Indians also came under fire as the team finished at the bottom of the table, marking one of their worst seasons to date.
Despite these setbacks, Pandya has demonstrated his prowess in the T20 World Cup, showcasing a formidable performance whenever he dons the Indian jersey.
