T20 World Cup 2024: 'Tell me, who in this country...' - MSK Prasad's huge remark on Hardik Pandya's WC selection

Former Indian chief selector MSK Prasad has reacted to star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in India’s 15-member preliminary squad for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 with a strong statement. On May 1, the BCCI announced India’s squad for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup.

However, the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 was as expected, with just a couple of surprising calls, including Rinku Singh’s inclusion as a traveling reserve in the squad. Well, many have been questioning Pandya’s inclusion in the squad, but Prasad welcomed the selectors’ decision.

The former chief selector said that Hardik deserved to be in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup squad both as an all-rounder and vice-captain, and this decision is totally justified. Prasad noted that Pandya did a great job as India’s T20I captain in Rohit Sharma's absence, which highlighted his leadership potential, making him the automatic choice for the vice-captaincy.

MSK Prasad welcomes Hardik Pandya's inclusion in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad

He said that there is no better fast-bowling all-rounder in the country than Pandya. Notably, the Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper is set to return to action for India after an eight-month hiatus when the Men in Blue kick off their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign against Ireland on June 8.

The Indian all-rounder last played for India during the ODI World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh before being sidelined due to an ankle injury. However, Pandya made a successful return as an all-rounder in the ongoing IPL 2024, although he is struggling to make an impact.

MSK Prasad was quoted as saying by RevSportz: “I don't think there is a second thought on Hardik's inclusion and also being made the vice-captain of the side. He was given the mantle of captaincy when Rohit was not there. So that clearly indicated that he was next in line for leadership. The selectors made the right decision by picking him. Tell me, who in the country now is a better fast bowling all-rounder than Hardik?”

Hardik Pandya can leave his IPL form behind: MSK Prasad

The former Indian wicketkeeper admitted that Pandya has been struggling for form in the ongoing IPL 2024, for which he blamed the change in the Mumbai Indians’ (MI) captaincy, as it led to boo ad jeer at the new skipper and impacted his performance. He stressed that once Pandya wears the Indian jersey, he has the ability to put aside his poor IPL 2024 form.

He signed off by saying, “Yes, he has been struggling with his form in recent times. But let us be fair as well; there is so much that has happened. Change of leadership in Mumbai, unfortunately, has affected his form as well. But once he puts on the Indian jersey, he can leave his IPL form behind. And once again, I repeat that Hardik Pandya is the best fast bowling all-rounder in the country now no matter what the pundits say.”

Notably, Pandya has so far managed only 197 runs and four wickets for Mumbai Indians (MI) in 10 games in the ongoing IPL 2024.