(AP Photo)
As India prepares for the Super 8s in the T20 World Cup 2024, Harbhajan Singh, the former Indian spinner, reviews India’s performance up to this point. He believes that Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya have been exceptional contributors with the bat and ball, respectively, which is a major positive for the Indian team.
During his discussion on Star Sports, Harbhajan Singh pointed out that Hardik Pandya has exceeded expectations, especially considering he was initially chosen primarily as the team’s fourth bowling choice.
“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.
He also discussed Rishabh Pant’s batting displays. In order to maintain a balanced left-right batting lineup, Pant was elevated to the number 3 position in the batting order. He has emerged as India’s top batsman in the tournament, showcasing his ability to take on bowlers effectively even under challenging conditions that typically trouble the best of batsmen.
“To make Rishabh Pant play at number three is a big positive. The left-Right combination is formed when Rishabh Pant plays at number three,” Harbhajan said on Pant’s promotion up the order.
“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,” he added.
India’s team management is banking on their star opening duo, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, to regain their form when the tournament returns to the Caribbean. Their contributions will be crucial in ensuring India’s sustained success in the competition.
India is scheduled to face Afghanistan in their opening match of the Super 8s, scheduled for June 20 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. The Indian squad is eager to clinch the title and put an end to their prolonged drought without a championship victory.
