"When Hardik Pandya"- Parthiv Patel reminds Rohit Sharma of the all-rounder's abilities

Former Indian wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has praised Hardik Pandya after his marvelous show in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 encounter against Bangladesh on Saturday, June 22. Parthiv Patel feels Hardik Pandya makes the Indian team a different side.

His words arrive after Hardik Pandya's recent heroics against Bangladesh. The right-handed batter slammed a stunning half-century in the first innings. Hitting 4 fours and 3 sixes, the all-rounder scored an unbeaten 50 off 27.

With Pandya's knock towards the end, India reached a mammoth total of 196-5 in 1st innings at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. Pandya also picked 1 wicket while bowling, however, leaked 32 runs in 3 overs at 10+ economy.

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Parthiv Patel praises Hardik Pandya

Speaking to Cricbuzz in a video on Instagram, Parthiv Patel heaped praises on Hardik Pandya for his fabulous fifty in the India vs Bangladesh match of the ICC T20I World Cup 2024. He said Hardik Pandya makes the Indian team different when he is at his peak.

"When Hardik Pandya is in form, then the batting line-up and bowling line-up of India is totally different. If India has a Hardik Pandya in the squad, then you get a chance to do a lot of things", the former RCB player said.

Parthiv Patel also added that Hardik Pandya is a crucial pacer as he can also bowl in the powerplay.

"If someone has to play in the middle or if the wicket has gone, then Hardik Pandya can also play the role of an anchor. And if you want an extra bowler in the powerplay, you can play him", he further added.

Pandya has shown astonishing form with both bat and ball in T20 World Cup 2024. The right-arm has already grabbed 9 wickets across 5 games in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

He picked a 3-wicket haul against Ireland in their opening game. He also grabbed 2 wickets each against Pakistan and USA. He has lent a helping hand to the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh.

India crushed Bangladesh by 50 runs

Meanwhile, India outplayed Bangladesh by 50 runs in their second Super 8 round of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Batting first, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli added 23 and 37 to etch a 39-run stand. Rishabh Pant also scored 36 runs.

Suryakumar Yadav got out cheaply for 6. Later, Shivam Dube and Pandya did a fabulous job by smacking 34 and 50 respectively to take the scoreboard to 196-6.

During the chase, Bangladesh opener Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan added 13 and 29. Later, skipper Najmul Shanto scored a decent knock of 40, however, became a victim of Jasprit Bumrah.

Bangladesh were helpless against their Indian counterpart as Indian bowlers demolished their batters like a house of cards. Arshdeep Singh (2), Jasprit Bumrah (2), Hardik Pandya (1), and Kuldeep Yadav (3) showed a wonderful teamwork to halt them at 146-8.

India earlier defeated Afghanistan in their previous game. Now, they will take on Australia in their next match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Another victory will seal India’s spot in the semi-finals.