Sunil Gavaskar Suggests: Is Selecting Hardik Pandya for T20 World Cup a Misstep? "In This IPL..."

Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar believes there's no need to be overly concerned about Hardik Pandya's bowling form ahead of the T20 World Cup. Despite his ordinary performance for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL, Pandya was retained as the vice-captain of the 15-member squad announced by the BCCI on Tuesday. Gavaskar emphasized that playing for the country brings out a different level of performance from players, and Pandya will likely excel in national colors.

"There's a big difference playing in the IPL and playing for your country. Playing for your country brings out something different in every player, and Hardik Pandya will be a different player," Gavaskar stated on Sports Today.

"He's had to face a lot of issues in this particular tournament (IPL), he's handled it quite well. When he goes overseas and has to play for India, I think he will be in a completely different frame of mind," he added.

Gavaskar expressed confidence in India's title contention, stating that with a bit of luck, the T20 World Cup could return to India after their triumph in 2007. He also noted that all the players would be well-conditioned for the mega event after participating in the IPL.

"They'll go with good rhythm (following the IPL); the bowlers would have bowled a fair bit of overs, the batters will have enough time out in the middle, some of them would have scored 80s, 90s 100s," Gavaskar explained.

"So, clearly, this team will go with that little break... a week break (between the conclusion of IPL and start of the World Cup). With that little break, they will be a little bit refreshed, but at the same time not rusty," he concluded.

May 1, 2024 9:53 p.m. 128

#trending #latest#IPL2024#CRICKET#MI