Cricket icon Sunil Gavaskar recently emphasized the pivotal role that all-rounders played in India’s previous ODI World Cup triumphs in 1983 and 2011. In the 15-man squad announced for the forthcoming World Cup in October-November, India boasts a robust contingent of four all-rounders, featuring Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, and Axar Patel. Captain Rohit Sharma acknowledges the significance of players who can contribute proficiently in multiple facets of the game.
Rohit Sharma firmly believes that the form of Hardik Pandya, their premier all-rounder, will be instrumental in India’s quest to secure the ODI World Cup. Hardik Pandya has showcased his peak form at the opportune moment, delivering a spectacular performance under pressure to rescue India in their Asia Cup 2023 opener against Pakistan last week. His consistent wicket-taking ability and resurgent bowling form are key assets to the team.
“His (Pandya’s) form will be crucial to us. He’s a guy who does both the things (batting and bowling), and that’s important,” Rohit Sharma emphasized during a media interaction.
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“In the last year or so he has come up with the bat and his bowling has been good too. That’s important for us. You saw the quality in the last game against Pakistan. Ishan and Hardik put their hands up and scored well. Obviously, with bowling too he’s great. He has bowled well in the last year and a half for us,” Rohit Sharma added.
Hardik Pandya’s resilient innings of 87 runs off 90 balls against Pakistan, when India found themselves struggling at 66/4, reflects his growing maturity as a cricketer.
“The way he batted in the last game showed that he has a very mature head on his shoulders. These are good signs for us,” Rohit Sharma commended.
Rohit Sharma expressed contentment with the squad selected for the World Cup, emphasizing the careful consideration given to balance and depth.
“We’re happy. This is the best we can do with balance and depth. We have three all-rounders in the team, 4 bowlers and six batters. We have thought about it a lot and named this squad. This is the best combination for us,” he affirmed.
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Regarding the mounting external pressure and the much-anticipated clash with Pakistan scheduled for October 14, Rohit remains unfazed, asserting the professionalism and resilience of his team.
“We don’t care about what is said outside. All the boys are professionals and they have seen all this. It doesn’t make a huge difference,” Rohit Sharma calmly stated.
