(Credit BCCI)
Former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer praised Hardik Pandya for his outstanding performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Jaffer highlighted Pandya’s remarkable ability to thrive under pressure, delivering exceptional performances with both bat and ball.
Jaffer recognized the challenges Pandya faced, especially following his disappointing stint as captain of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. Amid criticism and scrutiny, Pandya struggled to perform effectively for his franchise, which finished in eighth place with just 8 points from 14 games. Despite these setbacks, Pandya earned selection for the 2024 T20 World Cup squad.
During the tournament, Pandya showcased resilience and skill, playing a pivotal role in India’s triumphant campaign in the USA and West Indies. His contributions were crucial as India remained undefeated throughout.
Pandya demonstrated his versatility by making valuable runs and taking key wickets. He amassed 144 runs at an average of 48 and claimed 11 wickets in the tournament. Notably, he bowled the decisive final over in the championship match against South Africa, clinching victory for India with impressive figures of 3/20 in three overs. His crucial dismissals of David Miller and Kagiso Rabada secured India’s seven-run victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 final in Barbados.
Wasim Jaffer – Hardik Pandya performed exceedingly well under pressure
Following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, Jaffer celebrated Pandya’s impressive display, commending him for surpassing expectations with a dazzling all-round performance. Jaffer emphasized that Pandya’s remarkable transformation underscored his resilience and exceptional talent.
Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube Channel: “I would like to specially mention Hardik because he was under pressure coming into the T20 World Cup. But hats off to him for the way he stepped up with both bat and ball and delivered. We all know what kind of pressure he was under but he put his hand up and performed exceedingly well.”
The ex-Indian cricketer also praised Suryakumar Yadav for his pivotal catch during the T20 World Cup 2024 final. In the critical moment, with South Africa requiring 16 runs to win in the final over, Miller struck a full toss from Pandya towards long-off, looking for a six.
Wasim Jaffer praised Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah for their outstanding contributions. Suryakumar displayed incredible athleticism by sprinting, leaping, and catching the ball just before it reached the boundary. He swiftly returned the ball into play, regained his composure, and dived to secure the breathtaking catch that clinched the prestigious cup for India.
Jaffer added, “Suryakumar Yadav’s catch was a game-changing moment according to me. If that catch wouldn’t have happened and if it would have gone for a six, 10 runs from four (five) balls would have been an easy job for Miller.”
Jasprit Bumrah was awarded the Player of the Tournament accolade, with cricket experts affirming that he deserved the recognition due to his outstanding bowling performances throughout the T20 World Cup 2024, during which he claimed an impressive tally of 15 wickets.
