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T20 World Cup 2024: The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 is going to start from June 1, which will be jointly hosted by West Indies and America. The Indian team has been announced for this tournament. In which Hardik Pandya has been included as an all-rounder. Hardik Pandya can also be seen in the playing eleven since he is the vice-captain. However, many questions are being raised regarding his choice.
Why did BCCI trust Hardik Pandya?
Hardik Pandya may not be in form right now but his experience can be very useful in the T20 World Cup. Pandya has also played three T20 World Cups for the Indian team so far. Hardik Pandya is known for his explosive batting and he is also a fast bowler which is most needed in this shorter format of cricket. Apart from this, Hardik's performance has also been good in the T20 World Cup.
Hardik Pandya's performance in T20 World Cup
Hardik Pandya has so far scored 213 runs for the Indian team in 16 T20 matches at a strike rate of 136.53 and an average of 23.66. Which also includes the fifty scored in the match played against England in the last T20 World Cup. Whereas Hardik Pandya has taken 13 wickets at an average of 25.30 and economy of 9.13. It is because of these figures that Pandya has been trusted.
Chief selector's statement on Pandya's selection
After the announcement of the Indian team, chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the selection of Hardik Pandya. He said that apart from maintaining balance in the team, everyone knows what he can do if he remains fit and there is no other option. Hardik has played all the matches for Mumbai Indians so far. The Indian team is ready and fit to play its first match after a month and a few days. Agarkar further said that as long as he remains fit, we know what he can do. How much balance it gives to the team. I don't think there is any substitute for what he can do now as a cricketer, especially when it comes to his style of bowling.