T20 World Cup 2022: 'Hardik Pandya Could Possibly Do What Ravi Shastri Did In 1985': Indian Legend's Massive Prediction For T20 World Cup

Since making his international debut, Hardik Pandya is scheduled to participate in his third straight T20 World Cup. The BCCI revealed a 15-man roster for the premier tournament on Monday, and the 27-year-old was included. The all-around player has been on a tear this season and is regarded as one of the key cogs. 

Sunil Gavaskar, a former Indian captain, anticipates a strong performance from Pandya at the 2018 World Cup in Australia.

Sunil Gavaskar Expecting Something Big From Hardik Pandya

The legendary batsman described Pandya as India’s trump card and asserted that he was capable of replicating what Ravi Shastri accomplished for his country in Australia during the 1985 Cricket World Cup. 

“Yes, I think he could possibly do what Ravi Shastri did in 1985 where Ravi was the outstanding performer with both bat and ball in the entire tournament. Some good catches as well. Hardik Pandya is capable of doing that,” Gavaskar said after the announcement of India’s T20 World Cup squad on Monday. 

In 5 games, Shastri scored 182 runs, including 3 half-centuries. Additionally, he took 8 wickets at an economy rate of 3.32. With the aid of the former all-rounder, India, captained by Gavaskar, advanced to the finals where they beat Pakistan. 

Hardik Pandya’s Fielding Aspect Could Turn Game India’s Way: Sunil Gavaskar

The renowned batsman went on to say that in addition to his outstanding bowling and batting abilities, Pandya’s outstanding fielding abilities may provide India a competitive advantage over any opponent in the competition. 

“Don’t forget, at mid-off, he affects some electrifying runouts as well. Direct hits at the bowler’s end, catching the batter inches short.

It’s not just the bowling and the batting aspects of Hardik Pandya, but the fielding aspect that could turn the game India’s way. I won’t be surprised if he is like the Ravi Shastri of 1985 if he is like the Champion of Champions,” he added. 

Since he returned to the IPL in 2022 as the captain of the Gujarat Titans, Pandya has been on a tear. In 2022, he played 15 innings and amassed 331 runs at a strike rate of above 140 while also taking 12 wickets. 

Since then, there has been no turning back as he has become a familiar presence in India’s T20 lineup, effectively anchoring the middle order. With an exhilarating all-around effort, he assisted India in winning the Asia Cup 2022 match against Pakistan. He took India to victory with an unbeaten 33 off 17 balls after recording figures of 3/25 in 4 overs. 

Also Read: SL vs PAK: Dasun Shanaka Reveals How CSK Inspired Sri Lanka’s Asia Cup Final Win vs Pakistan