IND vs IRE: Hardik Pandya labelled the most vital cog in India's lineup after all-round show vs Bangladesh

As the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 is set to begin on June 2, the spotlight is on Hardik Pandya's crucial role in India's quest to end their more than decade-long drought for the ICC title in the West Indies and USA. He has already shown a glimpse of his form in the warm-up game against Bangladesh.

Despite a dip in form during the IPL 224 with the Mumbai Indians (MI), the BCCI and the Indian cricket team management have shown their faith in Pandya and appointed him as the vice-captain for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Pandya's form had been under scrutiny, but he proved his mettle in the T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match against Bangladesh on June 1 at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York.

Batting at No. 6, Pandya played an aggressive and crucial inning, scoring 40 runs off just 23 balls laced with 2 fours and 4 sixes to help India secure a comprehensive 60-run win over the Bangladesh cricket team.

Lakshmipathy Balaji highlights Hardik Pandya's importance in India's quest to win T20 World Cup 2024

After the IND vs BAN warm-up match in New York, former Indian fast bowler and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowling coach, Lakshmipathy Balaji, highlighted the significance of Pandya's performance in India's quest to win the T20 World Cup 2024.

Balaji claimed that Pandya's dual role as a batter and bowler proves great balance for the Indian cricket team, and his all-round performance will have a significant impact on their qualification for the knockouts of the T20 World Cup 2024.

He also mentioned Pandya’s ability to contribute significantly with the bat in the lower order, which adds flexibility to India’s batting lineup, allowing for strategic choices in the top order. He feels this balance is crucial for India's chances at T20 WC.

Lakshmipathy Balaji was quoted as saying by Star Sports: “It’s very important. Hardik plays a very important role when it comes to the Indian team progressing to the knockout stage. If he comes good, there will be so much balance in the side, both with the bat and ball. Especially with the bat down the order, he will give you the flexibility to choose your batters upfront.”

India could utilize Hardik Pandya with the new ball: Balaji

In addition to his impressive batting display, Hardik also contributed effectively with the ball during India’s dominating win over Bangladesh in the warm-up match. He managed to dismiss Bangladesh's opener, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who was beginning to gain momentum in their chase and finished with figures of 1/30 in 3 overs in New York.

Having been impressed with the all-rounder’s bowling show, the former pacer suggested that Team India could utilize Pandya with the new ball and also trust him with bowling in the death overs in the tournament.

Balaji signed off by saying, “At the same time, he may get a go with the new ball also in the powerplay and more likely in the death overs. Hardik’s form is very crucial and he showed today that he is capable of hitting sixes. It was great to see him settling in New York."