Hardik Pandya‘s downward spiral started last year against Bangladesh in a 50-over World Cup game but the star all-rounder Hardik Pandya always believed that fortune favors the brave if they hang around. First it was back-to-back injuries that kept him out for four months and then a very rocky two months in the IPL as MI skipper, there was no silver lining for India’s best all-rounder in contemporary times until this T20 World Cup, where regained his mojo.
Star India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has caught several headlines ever since his shock transfer to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans in the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024. The star player replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians’ skipper, and he received a lot of stick from the supporters.
Hardik Pandya’s IPL debacle and heroics in Wt20 2024 in India’s colors
The atmosphere and the situation at Hardik Pandya’s arrival at MI saw the ace all-rounder struggle as his form took a dip. Leading MI, Hardik Pandya failed to help his team qualify for the knockout stages of the IPL, and his selection chances in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 looked a bit bleak as well. However, Hardik Pandya was indeed selected and has been exceptional for the Men in Blue in the marquee tournament.
Hardik Pandya had only reached 50 three times in a T20 for India. There have been fruitful cameos, of course, but his most recent half-century was in the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final in Adelaide, when his blistering 33-ball 63 against India was in vain, as Jos Buttler and Alex Hales waltzed England to a 10-wicket victory in 16 overs.
Another turbocharged innings of 71 off 30 had come two months earlier in Mohali against Australia, but again it was in a losing cause. Just once had a Hardik Pandya half-century preceded an India victory, also in 2022, against England in Southampton. On that occasion his undefeated 33-ball 51, in addition to his four wickets, was the difference between the two sides, India winning by 50 runs.
His performances impressed former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa who opined that it takes a man of character to come back after facing as many hardships as Hardik Pandya has faced.
Robin Uthappa on Hardik Pandya’s return to form at 2024 T20 World Cup
Robin Uthappa reserved high praise on Team India’s Hardik Pandya for his impactful performances at the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. He pointed out how the all-rounder was targeted by many for his flop show as the Mumbai Indians skipper in IPL 2024).
Pandya received a hostile reception from fans, even at MI’s Wankhede Stadium home ground, after replacing Rohit Sharma as the team’s captain. To exacerbate matters, his own performances were quite underwhelming as the side finished with the wooden spoon.
Uthappa opined that it takes a lot of character to bounce back following such a phase. On Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube channel, the cricketer-turned-commentator said:
“I love that Hardik is batting so well and bowling so well. And just his demeanor, he has been through a lot.
“If you look at what he has been through the last few months, the last six months, professional life, personal life, the scrutiny, everything he has gone through, to stack up performances that he is stacking up right now, takes a man of deep character. And that needs to be celebrated.”
Hardik Pandya hit a quickfire half-century in India’s Super 8 match against Bangladesh on Saturday, June 22. The swashbuckling batter remained unbeaten on 50 off 27, helping the team to 196-5 and winning by 50 runs.
An allrounder’s impact is often related to opportunity, particularly when it comes to batting; how many balls are available to hit. Hardik wasn’t required to bat against Ireland or USA and his first hit out against Pakistan on that New York pitch was a brief 12 deliveries off which he scratched seven runs.
But against Bangladesh he offered a reminder of the power and excitement that landed him the early reputation of a cricketing rock star. This time the winning margin was an exact replica of Hardik’s contribution with the bat, a neat 50. For the second time in his T20I career he had scored a half-century in an India victory.
And if Hardik Pandya has truly unlocked his best with the bat as well as his rhythm with the ball, he is truly a formidable weapon for India’s conquest to the World Cup 2024.