IND Vs AUS: Mohammad Kaif Picks This Player Ahead Of Virat Kohli And Rohit Sharma As India's Match-Winner In The World Cup

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has drawn parallels between the legendary Yuvraj Singh all-rounder and Hardik Pandya, suggesting that Pandya will fulfill a role similar to what Yuvraj played for India during the 2011 World Cup. India is gearing up to face Australia in their opening match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium.

In a conversation with Star Sports, Mohammad Kaif commended Pandya’s meticulous approach to his net sessions, highlighting that Pandya enters with a clear plan in mind. Mohammad Kaif observed Pandya’s focus on hitting shots straight and in the ‘V’, signifying his preparedness to execute specific strategies. Pandya has amassed 1,758 runs in 60 innings for India at an average of 33.20.

“Hardik Pandya always prepares a plan before going to nets. He already knows what he needs to work on. The way we have seen him batting shows that he has his plan for the last 10 overs. He is hitting the shots straight along the ground, indicating that he has a proper plan for hitting the ball in a V-shape and straight only,” remarked Kaif.

Furthermore, Mohammad Kaif firmly believes that Pandya will embrace the role that Yuvraj Singh played for India in the 2011 World Cup. He underlined Pandya’s potential to excel in that capacity. In a recent ODI appearance, Pandya showcased his prowess by taking three wickets while conceding just three runs in the Asia Cup 2023 final against Sri Lanka.

Hardik Pandya Will Embrace Yuvraj Singh’s Role, Says Mohammad Kaif

“Recently, we have seen Hardik Pandya playing at number 3, and 4 in IPL but he playing at number 6 for India and will play the same role, which Yuvraj Singh played in the 2011 World Cup. Hardik Pandya has the ability to play like Yuvraj Singh, who played and finished the game at number 6 for India in the 2011 World Cup with both ball and bat,” Kaif affirmed.

Mohammad Kaif further emphasized that Pandya will play a crucial role for India in the upcoming World Cup. Currently ranked seventh among ODI all-rounders in the latest ICC rankings, Pandya’s dedication to his game and preparation suggests that he is poised to make a significant impact.

“Observing his net practice sessions, I get the feeling that his main goal is to hit fours and sixes straight down the middle of the ground, indicating that he is following his game plan. Hardik Pandya will definitely play a significant role in this World Cup,” Kaif concluded.

Following their clash against Australia in Chennai, India will face Afghanistan at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi on October 11. India will try to get the maximum momentum before facing Pakistan on 14th October in Ahmedabad. Hopefully, the unbeaten streak against Pakistan will continue this time.