Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif believes that Hardik Pandya has all the ingredients to be the best player for Team India in the World Cup 2023, and help the Men In Blue win the trophy like Yuvraj Singh did in 2011.
India are hosting the ODI World Cup after 12 years, and would want to end their decade-long ICC title drought. Yuvraj Singh was India’s star in the tournament in 2011, making massive contributions with both bat and ball, and ultimately bagged the Player of the Tournament award.
According to Mohammed Kaif, Pandya is the all-rounder for India, and not Ravindra Jadeja, who could replicate Yuvraj’s heroics and help India achieve their dream of winning the World Cup 2023.
Speaking with Star Sports, Kaif said, “Recently, we have seen Hardik Pandya playing at number 3, 4 in IPL but he playing at number 6 for India will play the same role, which Yuvraj Singh has played in 2011 world cup. Hardik Pandya has the ability to play like Yuvraj Singh, who played and finished the game at number 6 for India in the 2011 World Cup with both ball and bat. Observing his net practice sessions, I get the feeling that his main goal is to hit fours and sixes straight down the middle of the ground, indicating that he is following his game plan. Pandya will definitely play a significant role in this World Cup.”
Hardik Pandya always prepares a plan before going to nets: Kaif
India will need Hardik’s expertise with the bat in the death overs because of Ravindra Jadeja’s poor form with the bat in ODI cricket in recent times.
Kaif gushed over Pandya’s ability to dominate bowlers in the death overs.
“Hardik Pandya always prepare a plan before going to nets. He already knows what he needs to work on. The way we have seen him batting, it shows that he has his plan for the last 10 overs. In the last 10 overs there will be pure death bowling so there you need to hold your shape by staying into a good position with proper foot movement and play big shots,” Kaif added.
India will face Australia in their opening match of the tournament on October 8 in Chennai.
