New Delhi: Hardik Pandya’s Crucial Role in ODI World Cup According to Sanjay Bangar
In the last couple of years, Hardik Pandya has significantly grown in stature as India’s foremost all-rounder and according to former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, the swashbuckling cricketer from Baroda provides the team with invaluable balance and will play a crucial role in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
Hardik’s Return for the Final Against Sri Lanka
Hardik, who was rested for the Asia Cup Super Four clash against Bangladesh, will be returning for the final against Sri Lanka on Sunday.
Maturing Over the Years
“He has matured a lot over the years. He had some setbacks in terms of his fitness but he has now worked hard to reach where he is now. He has shouldered the responsibilities very well, and is captaining India in T20s. He gives a lot of balance to the team being an all-rounder,” Bangar, who is here as the ‘Star Sports’ expert, told PTI.
India’s Strong Bowling Line-Up
- Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj as new ball bowlers
- Experienced Shami
- Kuldeep Yadav’s variations
- Ravindra Jadeja’s presence
- Hardik Pandya as a wicket-taking option
Hopes for Shubman Gill’s Performance
Bangar also hoped that Shubman Gill, who made a superb hundred against Bangladesh on Saturday, would continue in the same vein in the World Cup.
Prolific Partnership of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill
Gill has formed a fruitful association with captain Rohit Sharma at the pole position since January this year, scoring upwards of 1000 runs together, and becoming the fastest Indian pair to do so in ODIs.
Asia Cup Victory as a Confidence Booster
“It is really important because it will be a confidence booster entering a tournament like the World Cup. After all, there is nothing like winning a big title and going into the World Cup,” said Bangar.
Asia Cup as Ideal Preparation for World Cup
The former India all-rounder said playing in the Asia Cup ahead of the World Cup will stand India in good stead because of the level of competition and conditions similar to back home.
Source
(With inputs from PTI)
