T20 World Cup 2024: Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli! Mohammad Kaif names India's most impactful match winner in ICC events

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif was recently picked as the most impactful matchwinner for the Men in Blue in ICC tournaments. Mohammad Kaif chose the 30-year-old all-rounder over prominent players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently announced the squad for the World Cup. Rohit Sharma will lead the team in the upcoming event. There were doubts about Hardik Pandya's inclusion in the squad. The selectors showed confidence in his abilities and also appointed him as the vice-captain.

Surpassing Even Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav - Mohammad Kaif

Speaking on Star Sports' Press Room, Mohammad Kaif is confident about Hardik Pandya's ability to shine in the T20 World Cup 2024. Kaif highlighted Pandya's impressive track record in ICC events, particularly in crucial encounters against Pakistan.

“I consider Hardik Pandya to be the most impactful match winner in ICC events, surpassing even Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav. Recall the India vs Pakistan matches. In Melbourne, Virat Kohli scored 82 runs, but it was Hardik Pandya who forged a crucial 40-run partnership and took three wickets. In the Asia Cup, during the match against Pakistan, Hardik Pandya showcased his finishing prowess by delivering in the final over against Nawaz, rescuing the team after Dinesh Karthik and Jadeja were dismissed," said Kaif.

Hardik Pandya hasn't been able to perform up to expectations in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. The right-handed batter has scored 197 runs in 10 matches at an average of 21.89 and a strike rate of 150.38. The right-arm pacer has taken six wickets at an expensive economy rate of 11.

It's A Very Balanced Squad - Mohammad Kaif

The India squad for the T20 World Cup faced criticism, especially for not selecting young batter Rinku Singh. The selectors opted for three pacers, including Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah. The squad included four spinners for the tournament.

Mohammad Kaif believes India's T20 World Cup squad is well-balanced. However, the former Indian batter expressed concerns about the team's mindset in knockout matches. Kaif stated that the team should win against strong opponents to lift the trophy.

"Yes, 100%. It's a very balanced side. However, it's crucial to understand that this isn't the IPL. In the IPL, you have 14 league matches, if you lose games, you can always come back and win the trophy. But, the World Cup format is different; weaker teams face off in the initial stages. Suddenly, you enter into the semi-finals against formidable opponents like Pakistan or England. To win the trophy, you must triumph in two significant matches," Kaif stated.

The Indian team suffered a heartbreaking defeat to England by ten wickets in the semifinals of the last edition of the T20 World Cup in Australia. The Rohit Sharma-led team will be hoping to break their 11-year ICC trophy drought in the upcoming tournament in the West Indies and the USA in June.

Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: Hardik Pandya's India selection doesn't sit right with Irfan Pathan, bashes selectors