Former Indian batter supports star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to perform well in the T20 World Cup 2024 for the Men in Blue because the latter had a promising record in the ICC events. Hardik Pandya is having trouble in this IPL season with the Mumbai Indians (MI) because he was only able to score 197 runs and managed to pull six wickets with a sky-high economy of 11. However, Kaif reckoned the calmness showed by the current MI skipper Hardik, against the recent past against Pakistan.
Mohammed Kaif backs Hardik Pandya to come good in ICC T20 WC 2024
Speaking on Star Sports Press Room, Kaif clarified, that Hardik Pandya being the most impactful match-winning player will be of great influence.
“I consider Hardik Pandya to be the most impactful match winner in ICC events, surpassing even Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Recall the India vs Pakistan matches. In Melbourne, Virat Kohli scored 82 runs, but it was Hardik Pandya who forged a crucial 40-run partnership and took three wickets. In the Asia Cup, during the match against Pakistan, Hardik Pandya showcased his finishing prowess by delivering in the final over against Nawaz, rescuing the team after Dinesh Karthik and Jadeja were dismissed,” said Kaif.
Mohammad Kaif is backing Hardik Pandya despite the backlashes he has been facing after becoming the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI). The all-rounder will be the deputy next to Rohit Sharma in the Caribbean and the USA.
Mohammad Kaif on India’s chances in T20 World Cup 2024
A lot of discussions and heated debates are rising regarding the exclusion of Rinku Singh from the T20 squad of World Cup 2024. Mohammad Kaif has no complaints about the finalization of the 15-member squad. Rather he is concerned about the mental state of the Men in Blue when they will be playing the knock-outs.
On this. Mohammad Kaif mentioned:
“Yes, 100%. It’s a very balanced side. However, It’s crucial to understand that this isn’t the IPL. In the IPL, you have 14 league matches, if you lose games, you can always come back and win the trophy. But, the World Cup format is different; weaker teams face off in the initial stages. Suddenly, you enter into the semi-finals against formidable opponents like Pakistan or England. To win the trophy, you must triumph in two significant matches.”
In the semifinals of the previous edition of the T20 World Cup, England smashed India by 10 wickets. Unable to register their win in the previous World Cup, Rohit Sharma and co. is going to be more directed to put an end to their 11-year-old thirst for ICC trophies.