During IPL 2024, fans and commentators criticised star all-rounder Hardik Pandya harshly. A significant portion of the fan base was not pleased with his decision to join the Mumbai Indians as captain after leaving the Gujarat Titans. He could have silenced them with his poor performance as well. Pandya’s form raised questions prior to the T20 World Cup 2024, but in India’s opening game against Ireland, the 30-year-old showed his grit and was crucial with the ball.
After conceding 27 runs in his four overs, the cricketer from Baroda claimed three wickets. Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised Pandya’s performance, pointing out that the all-rounder with pace bowled four overs in a row, which is impressive.
It is really significant to play for India. It is enormous. The fact that he bowled his four overs without fail and the way he was running in were both amazing. It’s not like he bowled two overs and then rested. It was also necessary to conduct that test. Gavaskar stated on Star Sports, “He has also passed that test with incredible grace.
Analysing his bowling against Ireland, Hardik Pandya
In an interview with the broadcaster, Pandya said that although he usually bowls short and doesn’t strike the wicket, he changed the length and line of his delivery because of the circumstances. He observed that there was a lot of swing in the opening overs of the offer, so he bowled full to take advantage of it.
“The opening wicket was excellent. I usually don’t hit the stumps very often because I usually bowl back of a length. To be in the game, though, I had to be much fuller on this wicket. Yes, the ball may fly if you bowl too short, Pandya admitted.
Also read: T20 World Cup 2024: IND vs. IRE—Who said what?
Ireland was limited to 96 runs in the first innings by India, who bowled first. India won by eight wickets, thanks in large part to the impressive chasing performance of Rishabh Pant and captain Rohit Sharma.