Watch- Rohit Sharma disregarded as Hardik Pandya reveals his best friend in team India

India's winning streak continues in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024, and now they are just an inch away from qualifying for the semifinals. However, Team India’s bowling attack, comprising Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya, has been shining brighter at this mega ICC event.

Indian pacers and spinners have been on a roll so far in the tournament, while only Rishabh Pant and Suryakumar Yadav managed to play a couple of impressive innings in the USA and West Indies.

Now, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team is aiming to beat Australia in their last Super-8 match on June 24 to officially book their place in the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals. From Group 2, South Africa and England have already qualified for the semifinals of the tournament.

Hardik Pandya opens up on friendship with Ravi Shastri

Ahead of the much-awaited and crucial IND vs AUS Super-9 clash in St. Lucia, the ICC has shared a clip on its official social media handle where Indian all-rounder Hardik has opened up about his friendship.

Hardik, surprisingly, named former Team India head coach Ravi Shastri as his best friend in the team, overlooking the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and Suryakumar Yadav.

Pandya was asked to share his experience playing under Shastri's coaching during a recent interaction. When asked about Shastri's influence and presence in the dressing room, the Indian allrounder described their relationship as one of friendship rather than fear.

Hailing the former Indian skipper as one of his finest coaches, Pandya said that Shastri always encouraged him to express himself freely and enjoy the game. Reflecting on their rapport, he expressed mutual respect and revealed that Shastri accepted his character without any concern.

Hardik Pandya said in a video posted by the ICC on Instagram: “Me and him were best friends, so I never had to be scared of him. I really enjoyed. One of my finest coaches I played under, he always allowed me to be myself, always allowed me to have freedom and just only said, just enjoy. And I think somewhere down the line, he liked me as a character as well. It was more friendship than fear.”

To which, Ravi Shastri quipped, “You don't change the character of such characters, ever.”

Watch here Hardik Pandya-Ravi Shastri's heartwarming conversation

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There's a lot of hard work: Hardik Pandya on his impressive bowling at T20 World Cup 2024

Meanwhile, Hardik has been consistently completing his four-over quota in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 and regularly taking wickets for India, prompting Shastri to ask the reason behind his impressive bowling performance in the tournament, as there were concerns about his bowling.

Hardik said, “One year I didn't bowl, otherwise, I've bowled for every team. It has become much of a topic of Hardik Pandya's bowling. There's a lot of hard work that I need to do to fire on all cylinders. It gives me extra opportunity to contribute to the team and lifts my confidence. If I'm bowling well, it transfers to my batting and vice-versa.”

Notably, Pandya has so far scored 89 runs in his three innings and taken 8 wickets in the tournament.