T20 World Cup 2024: Yuvraj Singh delivers a no-nonsense verdict on Hardik Pandya's future

By Sai Vaitla

Updated - 22 May 2024, 01:04 PM

Yuvraj Singh and Hardik Pandya
Yuvraj Singh and Hardik Pandya (Image Credits: Twitter)

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Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has expressed support for Hardik Pandya amid criticism over his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season. Yuvraj Singh stated that Hardik Pandya might do something really special for Team India in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 in June.

Hardik Pandya struggled to make an impact with both bat and ball for the Mumbai Indians (MI). The right-handed batter scored just 216 runs at a disappointing average of 18.00 and a strike rate of 143.05, with a best score of 46. Pandya managed to secure 11 wickets at an expensive economy rate of 10.75.

The 30-year-old cricketer was appointed vice-captain of Team India for the upcoming ICC tournament. The MI skipper last played for India in the ODI World Cup 2023. Pandya suffered an injury during the match against Bangladesh. He returned to competitive cricket during the IPL 2024 after an injury layoff.

Hardik Pandya's Fitness Is Going To Be Important - Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh expressed confidence that Hardik Pandya could deliver something remarkable at the upcoming T20 World Cup, despite his recent struggles in the IPL 2024. Yuvraj emphasized that selectors consider players' overall international performance, not just IPL form, in squad selection.

“Well, the good thing is that the selection has been made. (Selectors see) how players have performed at international cricket and then they look at IPL form. Just not the IPL form,” Yuvraj said while speaking to ICC.

“Because if you look at the IPL form, Hardik’s not done well. Looking at his background for India, what he’s done for India, it is important that he’s in the squad."

“I think his bowling is going to be important, and his fitness is going to be important. And I think he might do something really special in this World Cup," he added.

Good To See Shivam Dube In The Indian T20 Squad - Yuvraj Singh

Yuvraj Singh stated that Shivam Dube can make a huge difference in the middle order or the lower middle order in the World Cup. The 42-year-old highlighted Dube's consistency in both international T20 matches and the IPL.

“I think with Shivam Dube, the last T20 series he played for India, I think he did well. And he’s been very consistent in the IPL as well. I just felt the kind of form he’s in, it was important for him to be in the squad. I really think he can make a huge difference in the middle order or the lower middle order, so it’s good to see him in the Indian T20 squad," Yuvraj said.

Shivam Dube had an impressive IPL season with the Chennai Super Kings, scoring 396 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 162.3. However, his performances dipped after India's squad announcement for the World Cup, with scores of 0(1), 0(1), 21 (13), 18 (11), and 7 (15). He bowled one over against the Punjab Kings, where he picked up a wicket for 14 runs.

Also read: RR vs RCB: "When I bid for Virat Kohli..." - Vijay Mallya makes a prediction on RCB's chances in IPL 2024

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Yuvraj Singh Hardik Pandya Shivam Dube India National Cricket Team ICC T20 World Cup 2024 IPL Mumbai Indians

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