Yuvraj Singh has backed India vice-captain Hardik Pandya to do something special at the T20 World Cup 2024, despite his poor run in the IPL 2024 season. Hardik had a season to forget in the IPL this year as his start to life as captain of MI saw the team finish at the bottom of the table. Hardik’s performance with both bat and ball also failed to impress.
Speaking to PTI, Yuvraj said that the selection has been made and the selectors look at how a player has performed in international cricket first and then the IPL. The Indian legend feels that Hardik’s exploits for India means that he is an important part of the squad.
“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,” said Yuvraj.
“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.”
In 14 matches in IPL 2024, Hardik could only score 216 runs at an average of 18. He also picked up 11 wickets but his economy-rate was 10.75.
Yuvraj also said that Rohit Sharma should be opening the batting alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. The former cricketer wants to see Virat Kohli at No.3 and then Suryakumar Yadav at No.4. Yuvraj also said he would like to see a couple of left-hand and right-hand combinations.
“I think Rohit (Sharma) and (Yashasvi) Jaiswal should definitely open,” Yuvraj said. “Virat (Kohli) has been batting at No.3 and that’s his position. And then you get Surya (Yadav) at four, and then you got a couple of big options.”
