Hardik Pandya (Source:Twitter)
Hardik Pandya made a sensational comeback in the T20 World Cup 2024 after being ripped apart by the public on social media and at the ground for replacing Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ captain. The all-rounder defended 16 runs off the last over in the Final against South Africa as India lifted the trophy. Moreover, he bagged the Player of the Match against Bangladesh during the Super 8 stages of the tournament.
Courtesy of his match-winning performances, the all-rounder has ranked up his points in the ICC rankings and is sharing the first spot with Sri Lankan allrounder Wanindu Hasaranga. Pandya was effective with his spell in the Final as he picked up marauding Heinrich Klaasen to bring back India into the game. Bowling the final over, he sent David Miller packing on the first ball as India made a resounding comeback to win the cup.
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Japsrit Bumrah has jumped up to 12 spots even after winning the Player of the Series and is just outside the top 10. On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav has moved up to three spots and has shared the eighth position, also entering the top 10. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh has achieved his career-best ranking of 13 after his impressive World Cup outing.
Six Indian players make it to ICC’s team of tournament
Six Indian players have made it to the ICC’s team of the tournament. Rohit Sharma, who lifted his second T20 World Cup Trophy and first as a captain is the opener. Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel will solidify the batting and the all-rounding department subsequently. In the bowling department, the star India pacer Jasprit Bumrah and the highest wicket-taker of the tournament, Arshdeep Singh are included.
ICC’s Team of the Tournament:
Rohit Sharma, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Nicholas Pooran, Suryakumar Yadav, Marcus Stoinis, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Rashid Khan, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
12th man: Anrich Nortje