Legendary Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar has opined that Hardik Pandya to be India’s trump card at the T20 World Cup 2022, adding that the all-rounder could replicate Ravi Shastri’s performance for India at the 1985 World Championship of Cricket in Australia. During a chat with India Today, Gavaskar said Hardik could be India’s trump at the T20 World Cup in Australia with his all-around skills, including the electrifying fielding efforts.

The legendary batter recalled how Ravi Shastri’s all-round efforts helped him lead India to a famous win in the 1985 World Championship of Cricket, which came 2 years after Kapil’s Devils stunned the world and lifted the World Cup trophy at the Home of Cricket in London.

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During a chat on India Today, Sunil Gavaskar said, “Yes, I think he could possibly do what Ravi Shastri did in 1985 where Ravi was the outstanding performer with both bat and ball in the entire tournament. Some good catches as well. Hardik Pandya is capable of doing that.”

He further added, “Don’t forget, at mid-off, he affects some electrifying run-outs as well. Direct hits at the bowler’s end, catching the batter inches short. It’s not just the bowling and the batting aspects of Hardik Pandya, the fielding aspect that could turn the game India’s way. I won’t be surprised if he is like the Ravi Shastri of 1985, if he is like the Champion of Champions.”

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Hardik Pandya has been warming up to the T20 World Cup well with some match-winning performances for India in T20is. Ever since he made a comeback to competitive cricket after a long injury layoff, Hardik has been one of India’s most consistent performers with both bat and ball.

After a stunning IPL 2022 wherein, he led Gujarat Titans to the title on their debut, Hardik has amassed 331 runs in 15 innings in 2022 at a strike rate of over 140 and has picked up 12 wickets as well.