AB de Villiers Lauds Hardik Pandya as Key Player for T20 World Cup
AB de Villiers Praises Hardik Pandya's Role
Legendary South African cricketer AB de Villiers has expressed high regard for Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, calling him a "crucial player" for the Indian squad in the forthcoming T20 World Cup.
During a discussion on his YouTube channel regarding India's team dynamics, de Villiers emphasized the squad's depth and versatility.
"The team boasts numerous players who excel with both bat and ball, allowing for significant flexibility in squad balance," he stated on his show, AB de Villiers 360.
"Notable absentees include Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rishabh Pant, Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Jitesh Sharma, who unfortunately missed the cut," he added.
Hardik Pandya: A Game-Changer
De Villiers underscored Hardik Pandya's importance, asserting that he is a standout player in the lineup.
"Hardik is the pivotal player who can turn matches with both bat and ball. He is capable of bowling in any scenario and can bat at various positions in the order," he remarked.
The former South African captain elaborated on Hardik's influence on rival teams.
"When he steps onto the field, the opposition feels the pressure to dismiss him quickly, as they know the game could slip away if he stays in for a few overs," de Villiers noted.
He further mentioned that Hardik's bowling is equally intimidating.
"With the ball, he has a knack for breaking partnerships, making him a valuable asset for Suryakumar Yadav and the team," he concluded.
Hardik Pandya's Recent Form Ahead of T20 World Cup
Hardik's recent performances have bolstered his reputation as a key player. In the current domestic season, he displayed his explosive batting skills during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he scored his first List A century.
Playing for Baroda against Vidarbha, Hardik scored 133 runs off just 92 balls, featuring eight fours and 11 sixes. Notably, he hit five consecutive sixes in one over, accumulating 34 runs before finishing with a boundary.
Additionally, he had a stellar performance in the recent T20I series against South Africa, amassing 142 runs across three innings with an average of 71.00 and an impressive strike rate of 186.84, including two half-centuries.