AB de Villiers Calls Hardik Pandya a Key Player for India's T20 World Cup Squad

In a recent analysis, AB de Villiers praised Hardik Pandya as a pivotal player for India's T20 World Cup squad. He emphasized Pandya's all-round skills and the psychological impact he has on opponents. De Villiers noted the depth of India's team while highlighting the unfortunate exclusions of several players. Hardik's recent performances, including a stunning century in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and impressive T20I stats against South Africa, further solidify his reputation as a game-changer. Discover more about Hardik's contributions and what they mean for India's chances in the upcoming tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 02:08 IST

AB de Villiers Highlights Hardik Pandya's Importance

In a recent discussion on his YouTube channel, South African cricket icon AB de Villiers praised Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, labeling him as a "crucial player" for the Indian team ahead of the T20 World Cup.

De Villiers analyzed the composition of India's squad, emphasizing the team's depth and versatility. He remarked, "The squad has numerous players who can contribute with both bat and ball, allowing for a flexible team balance," during his segment on AB de Villiers 360.

He pointed out the absence of notable players like Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Jitesh Sharma, who were unfortunate to miss the selection.

Despite these omissions, de Villiers underscored Hardik Pandya's significance, stating, "Hardik will be the pivotal player. He has the ability to change the game with both bat and ball, and he can adapt to any batting position."

The former South African captain elaborated on the psychological impact Hardik has on opposing teams, noting, "When he steps onto the field, the opposition feels the pressure to dismiss him quickly, as his presence can lead to a loss if he stays in for a few overs."

De Villiers also highlighted Hardik's effectiveness as a bowler, saying, "When he comes into bowl, there's a sense that he can break partnerships, making him a valuable asset for Suryakumar Yadav's team."

Hardik's recent performances have bolstered his reputation as a game-changer. In the current domestic season, he displayed his explosive batting skills in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, scoring his first List A century with a remarkable 133 runs off just 92 balls, which included eight fours and 11 sixes. Notably, he hit five consecutive sixes in one over, accumulating 34 runs.

Additionally, he had a stellar performance in the recent T20I series against South Africa, amassing 142 runs across three innings with an impressive average of 71.00 and a strike rate of 186.84, featuring two half-centuries.