Despite Hardik Pandya’s struggles as captain and with the bat for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024, former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has backed his former teammate. He predicts that Pandya will deliver something special in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in West Indies and USA.
Pandya had a dismal campaign leading Mumbai, with the five-time champions finishing 10th in the points table, winning just four of their 14 games. The all-rounder’s individual numbers were also poor, as he scored 216 runs at an average of 18.00 while managing to pick just 11 wickets.
However, Yuvraj feels Pandya should not be judged solely on his IPL performance.
“Well, the good thing is that the selection has been made. (Selectors see) how players have performed in international cricket and then they look at IPL form. Just not the IPL form,” Yuvraj said to ICC.
“Because if you look at the IPL form, Hardik’s not done well. Looking at his background for India, what he’s done for India, it is important that he’s in the squad,” Yuvraj added.
He can make a huge difference in the middle-order or the lower middle order: Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj highlighted the importance of Pandya’s bowling and fitness at the World Cup, which will be crucial for the Men in Blue in the marquee event.
“I think his bowling is going to be important, and his fitness is going to be important. And I think he might do something really special in this World Cup,” the former all-rounder further added.
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The former cricketer also spoke about Shivam Dube’s impact in this tournament. Dube who was part of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), played majorly as a batter and impressed everyone with his ability to hit huge sixes and finish the game.
“I think with Shivam Dube, the last T20 series he played for India, I think he did well. And he’s been very consistent in the IPL as well. I just felt the kind of form he’s in, it was important for him to be in the squad. I think he can make a huge difference in the middle order or the lower middle order, so it’s good to see him in the Indian T20 squad,” Yuvraj concluded.