Former Indian spinner offers advice to Hardik Pandya ahead of T20 World Cup, says ‘expect him to play like a leader…he is next in command’

The T20 World Cup is around the corner and the selection committee has appointed Hardik Pandya as vice-captain of the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team. After his selection in the T20 World Cup squad, the former Indian cricketer Pragyan Ojha came with advice for him. He said that Hardik needs to play the role of a true leader in the mega-event games, starting in America and West Indies from June 2.

I expect him to play like a lead: Pragyan Ojha

Speaking to Jio Cinema, Ojha said that Hardik needs to overcome any negativity and perform like a leader. He added that Hardik should be mentally prepared to lead the team if Rohit Sharma suffers an unfortunate injury. 

"I expect him to play like a leader because he is next in command. If something happens to Rohit, we don't want that, if anything happens, he (Hardik) will be leading the side, so he has to be prepared, he has to take that responsibility when he is batting," Ojha said.

 

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Hardik's last appearance in an international match for India was during the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh in October 2023. Despite recovering from an ankle injury in time for IPL 2024 and being named captain of the five-time champions, Hardik faced significant criticism, which seemingly affected his confidence as an all-rounder from Baroda.

 

'Forget what is happening in IPL and focus on the World Cup'

However, Ojha commended Hardik for the balance he brings to the senior national team. He also said that despite his below-par form in the IPL, there was little debate about his place in the squad and his inclusion in the 15-man team for the T20 World Cup. 

 

"For me, he is someone who will create that balance for the side. Every time we talk about Indian team selection, Hardik's name always comes in. He creates that balance, he will give you that cushion. That you can have an extra batter or a bowler, wherever he is needed. That's what we want him to do, to be mentally ready for the World Cup and just forget what is happening in IPL and focus on the World Cup, that is more important," Ojha added.

 

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In the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), Hardik managed to score 197 runs at an average of 150.38 and picked up only six wickets with an economy rate of 11.00. Now, MI stand in the second-last position in the standings with only three wins in 10 games.
 

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