Former India player Sunil Gavaskar has backed Hardik Pandya to return to his form slump and deliver the goods in the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. However, Pandya has struggled in every aspect as Mumbai Indians (MI) captain in the ongoing IPL. Hardik has averaged under 22 with the bat with no half-centuries in 10 matches as well. Moreover, his bowling numbers haven’t been much better, with six wickets at an average of 42 and an economy of 11. Moreover, under him, MI won only three out of 10 games to be in the penultimate position as well.

However, Hardik Pandya has been a part of the 15-member Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 and will be the vice-captain. While speaking on Sports Today after the squad announcement, Sunil Gavaskar supported the all-rounder and stated that the massive difference between the IPL and international cricket as well.

“There’s a big difference playing in the IPL and playing for your country. Playing for your country brings out something different in every player and Hardik Pandya will be a different player. He’s had to face a lot of issues in this particular tournament (IPL), he’s handled it quite well. When he goes overseas and has to play for India, I think he will be in a completely different frame of mind,” said Gavaskar. “And that’s going to be a much more positive frame of mind than maybe what we have seen here in this tournament. So, Hardik Pandya will make a contribution with both bat and ball in this tournament.”

“I don’t know the reason but this Indian team looks a very good team, no question about it. Its got plenty of experience, they’ve got some real big hitters, they’ve got variety in bowling as well. They are title contenders, without a question. At the international level, sometimes you need a bit of luck and if this Indian team has just that little bit of luck, then I’m very confident that after 2007 (triumph), the T20 World Cup will come back to India,” concluded Sunil Gavaskar.