Asia Cup 2023: Madan Lal Questions Hardik Pandya's Recent Form, Says "He Has To Perform"

Former India all-rounder Madan Lal questioned Hardik Pandya’s recent form after he was named the vice-captain of the Indian squad for the upcoming Asia Cup 2023. Madan Lal said that Pandya needs to perform in the tournament.

The 29-year-old all-rounder has been recently criticized by the fans and cricket experts after he led the Men in Blue in the five-match T20I series against West Indies and lost by a margin of 3-2.

Hardik Pandya also failed to score runs in his last few games for the Men in Blue for which critics have started to question his place in the squad.

Where is the Hardik Pandya that scored 92 against Australia: Madan Lal

While speaking to Hindustan Times during the CEAT Awards, Madan Lal accepted that Hardik Pandya could become the next captain of the Men in Blue but said that he needs to perform. Lal further praised the player by adding that he has done well in the past and is talented.

“See, he definitely could be the next captain, the way he is going about leading in T20Is. But my concern is not that. Hardik has to perform. He is so talented and has done well, but where is the Hardik Pandya that scored 92 against Australia? That sort of form I want to see Hardik in,” Madan Lal said.

Madan Lal expressed that he is happy that Pandya is bowling and the Men in Blue need him in the upcoming ODI World Cup.

The 72-year-old concluded by saying that Pandya needs to ensure that he performs well in the upcoming 50-over tournaments.

“At the same time, I am very happy that he is bowling. We need him bowling in the World Cup as that sixth bowler. They have given him a very important role and Hardik has to ensure that he does well,” Madan Lal added.

Rohit Sharma-led India will start their campaign against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2023 on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.

India’s squad for Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Sanju Samson (Back-up).