Hardik Pandya crowned new Kapil Dev amid T20 World Cup - captaincy incoming?
Published - 07 Feb 2026, 01:15 PM | Updated - 11 Feb 2026, 12:30 PM
Former India batter WV Raman showered praise on all-rounder Hardik Pandya ahead of the team’s 2026 T20 World Cup opener. The cricketer-turned commentator said that Pandya has clean ball-striking, especially against fast bowlers, and compared his impact to that of legendary all-rounder Kapil Dev.
Pandya has been one of India’s biggest match-winners in T20 cricket. The 32-year-old played a key role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. He scored 144 runs at an average of 48 with a strike rate above 151. The pacer also took 11 wickets, including a three-wicket final over against South Africa in the title match.
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In a video shared on his YouTube channel, WV Raman compared Hardik Pandya with Kapil Dev. Raman also stated that Shivam Dube has grown as a cricketer. He noted that Dube has understood his own game better over the last few years, improved in several areas, and shown confidence.
"Hardik Pandya can really belt the ball. He reminds me so much of Kapil Dev as far as striking ability is concerned. The manner in which he can pulverize fast bowlers is unbelievable," Raman said.
"Shivam Dube has gone on to become a very good reader of his own game. Over the last couple of years, he has improved on quite a few aspects. He's standing on his own now, and he has stood his own ground in the last few months. It's good to see Shivam Dube evolving as a cricketer and discovering himself," he added.
He’s Dubbed As The 360 Of Indian Cricket - WV Raman On Suryakumar Yadav
WV Raman feels Suryakumar Yadav has found form at the right moment. After struggling in T20Is, Suryakumar bounced back strongly against New Zealand.
Raman said that Suryakumar is one of the hardest batters to contain when in rhythm. He pointed out that bowlers find it difficult to plan against him and added that he has the ability to play unconventional shots.
"He's dubbed as the 360 of Indian cricket. When he's in form, it's really tough for the bowlers to plan and bowl to him. His return to form is a great sign for Team India. He's playing his pickup shots with ease again," said Raman (via the aforementioned source).
Hardik Pandya in Brilliant Form During India’s T20 World Cup 2026 Warm-Up Match
India played South Africa in a T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, February 4.
Hardik Pandya scored 30 runs off 10 balls, including three sixes and two fours, at a strike rate of 300. Ishan Kishan smashed 53 off 20 balls, while Tilak Varma added 45 off 19. Their attacking batting helped India post 240/6 in 20 overs.
In response, South Africa scored 210/7 in 20 overs and lost the match by 30 runs. Tristan Stubbs scored an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls, while Ryan Rickelton chipped in with 44 off 21.
With the ball, Hardik conceded 28 runs in two overs and did not take a wicket. Abhishek Sharma picked up two wickets, while Arshdeep Singh, Shivam Dube, Varun Chakaravarthy, and Axar Patel claimed one wicket each.
India are the defending T20 World Cup champions. Pandya’s strong form will be important for Suryakumar Yadav and the team to defend the title.
Also read: India vs Pakistan T20 World Cup match still on? Sri Lanka police not informed of any cancellation
Tagged:
Hardik Pandya WV Raman Kapil Dev Shivam Dube Suryakumar Yadav India National Cricket Team ICC T20 World CupAbout the Author
Sai Vaitla is an author at Cricketaddictor and he has been working since September 2022. Sai Vaitla...
