Former Indian fast bowler S Sreesanth has thrown his support behind Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, emphasizing the dynamic synergy between Pandya and Virat Kohli as a key asset in chasing challenging totals. Despite concerns regarding Pandya’s recent form, his all-around capabilities have been deemed essential for the national team’s strategy in the high-stakes tournament scheduled in the USA and the West Indies.
Sreesanth, recognized as one of India's premier outswing bowlers post-Kapil Dev, shared his thoughts on Star Sports about the selection of Pandya, particularly his role as vice-captain. "We have seen what he can do on the field minus this year's IPL. The way he's been batting and the way he's been bowling, for the country, he even led the country in one series and we won," he noted, underlining Pandya’s proven track record on the international stage.
The decision to continue with Pandya despite a dip in his performance during this year's IPL has been a topic of intense debate. However, Sreesanth pointed out the unique qualities that Pandya brings to the team, especially in high-pressure scenarios. "It was asked to Rohit about that and he said sometimes I'm the captain and sometimes I'm not. But that doesn't change the team's aura and atmosphere. So, it's one good thing that Hardik Pandya comes in and bats, especially when he's chasing and Virat is on the other side, I think the combination they create is great," Sreesanth added, highlighting the strategic advantage of having both players in the game.
Pandya's comeback to the squad follows his recovery from an ankle injury just in time for IPL 2024, where he took over as captain of the Mumbai Indians, succeeding Rohit Sharma. This leadership shift sparked widespread scrutiny and discussion.
Discussing Pandya’s versatility, Sreesanth emphasized his capability with bth new and old ball, particularly in matches against high-profile teams like Pakistan, but also reminded that India faces a variety of opponents in the tournament. "So, it's an opportunity for Hardik to forget what he's done in this IPL and maybe, you never know, there are a few matches left and he may just come up," he said, suggesting that Pandya's best may yet be seen in the remaining IPL games and the World Cup.
Tom Moody, a former Australian all-rounder and respected cricket analyst, also supported Pandya's selection, citing the rarity of genuine all-rounders like him in India. "Name me three other people who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing. That skill of being a genuine all-rounder who can bat in your top six and potentially bowl four overs for you is very rare in India at the moment," Moody stated. He acknowledged that selectors, particularly chief selector Ajit Agarkar, recognize the strategic importance of Pandya’s skills to the team's balance and potential success.
Moody also touched on the inclusion of Shivam Dube, describing it as a "smart move" and stressing the importance of maintaining his bowling fitness even if not required in every game.
"I'd be incredibly surprised if Dubey hasn't been doing his bowling workloads, which is basically, not bowling out in the middle in competition but bowling at practice and bowling in pre-games, getting his number of balls up per week to make sure that his body is conditioned to bowling.
"Even though he might not have to bowl in match situation, but he's got the bowling, so it's not like he hasn't bowled for two months and then suddenly called upon to bowl in a World Cup tournament.
"So, he'll be up and ready physically for the opportunity. So, to me Shivam Dube is a smart pick," Moody added.
Watch: Suryakumar Yadav's sweet gesture for differently-abled fan of Rohit Sharma