Hardik Pandya, the star all-rounder, faced significant criticism from fans and commentators during the IPL 2024 season. Many supporters were unhappy with his decision to switch from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians and assume the role of captain. His lacklustre performance didn’t help quell the discontent.
However, as the T20 World Cup 2024 began, Pandya managed to dispel doubts about his form by delivering a stellar performance with the ball in India’s first match against Ireland. The 30-year-old cricketer from Baroda showcased his skill by taking three crucial wickets and conceding only 27 runs in his four-over spell.
Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, impressed by Pandya’s performance, highlighted the significance of his contribution. Gavaskar noted that Pandya bowled four consecutive overs, demonstrating his stamina and resilience, which was particularly noteworthy.
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“When you are playing for India, it’s huge. It’s humongous. The way he was running in, what was impressive was that he bowled his four overs on the trot. Not that he bowled two overs and took a break. That is a test that also had to be run. He has also come through that test very, very impressively,” Sunil Gavaskar remarked on Star Sports.
In his post-match interview, Hardik Pandya explained his tactical adjustments to the broadcaster. He mentioned that he usually bowls shorter lengths, but given the conditions, he decided to change his approach. He observed that the pitch offered substantial swing in the early overs, prompting him to bowl fuller deliveries to exploit this advantage.
“I really liked the first wicket. Generally, I don’t hit the stumps often; I have a tendency to bowl back of a length. But on this wicket, I needed to be a lot fuller to be in the game. Yes, if you bowl short, the ball may fly,” Hardik Pandya explained.
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India, bowling first, restricted Ireland to a modest total of 96 runs. In response, skipper Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant played pivotal roles in the chase, ensuring a smooth victory for India by eight wickets. Pandya’s performance not only silenced his critics but also reaffirmed his importance to the team in crucial matches.
