Cricket

Hardik Pandya's recent struggles have been well-documented. After a successful stint as captain of the Gujarat Titans in the IPL, his move to the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024 was met with criticism from fans. The all-rounder, who had been lauded for his astute leadership, replaced fan favorite Rohit Sharma at the helm. Supporters expressed their displeasure by booing Hardik during matches.The noise surrounding his move undoubtedly affected Hardik's performance. He struggled with both bat and ball in the tournament, raising concerns about his form ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, much to the relief of Indian fans, Hardik delivered with the ball in the opening game against Ireland.The pitch at the Adelaide Oval aided his swing bowling, but Hardik also showcased his skill and accuracy. His first wicket came with a classic inswinger that foxed Lorcan Tucker. A hint of away swing next up proved too good for Curtis Campher. Mark Adair fell soon after, giving Hardik satisfying returns of three for 27.The early stage of Hardik's comeback was complete. The tough times in IPL 2024 forced him to introspect. "I'm very happy to start on a good note. Everything falls into place for people who work hard," Hardik told bcci.tv.India batting coach Vikram Rathour was pleased to have a fit-and-firing Hardik ready for duty. "Hardik looked really good. He's been bowling really well. He looks fit enough to go through four overs, and he's been bowling with pace and some accuracy," Rathour said.Hardik's performance in the opening game of the T20 World Cup is a positive sign for India. His ability to swing the ball and take wickets will be crucial to the team's success in the tournament. The all-rounder has shown that he can overcome adversity and deliver when it matters most.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has silenced his critics with a stellar performance in India's T20 World Cup 2024 opener against Ireland. After a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, where he captained Mumbai Indians to a dismal four-win season, Pandya has bounced back with a vengeance.In India's emphatic victory over Ireland, Pandya showcased his versatility by claiming three wickets for just 27 runs. His impressive spell helped restrict Ireland to a paltry 96 runs, setting the stage for a comfortable Indian victory.Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Pandya, particularly for his ability to bowl four overs consecutively. "When you are playing for India, it's huge. The way he was running in, what was impressive was that he bowled his four overs on the trot," Gavaskar said.Pandya's performance was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing criticism for his lack of form in the IPL, he has proven that he remains a vital cog in the Indian team.In the post-match interview, Pandya expressed his pride in representing India and acknowledged the support of the Indian fans. "Always special to play for the country, always good to play for pride," he said.Pandya's resurgence is a timely boost for India as they aim to defend their T20 World Cup title. His all-round abilities and leadership qualities will be crucial if India is to emerge victorious.

India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has expressed immense confidence in the team's bowling unit, led by Jasprit Bumrah, ahead of the T20 World Cup. Pandya believes that the bowlers' experience, intensity, and integrity will be crucial to their success in the tournament.India kicked off their campaign with an eight-wicket victory over Ireland on a challenging pitch that provided variable bounce and extra seam movement. Pandya highlighted the team's collective experience of 892 T20 games, particularly in the bowling department."We have someone like Jasprit Bumrah, who is the number one bowler by far. We have (Mohammed) Siraj, who has been tremendous in recent years," Pandya said. "We have Arshdeep, who has played the last two World Cups and has been quite fantastic."Pandya also praised the team's honesty and integrity within the bowling core group, which he believes will be a key factor in their success. The seam-bowling all-rounder expressed his delight at starting the tournament with a victory, emphasizing the importance of rhythm and momentum.Batting coach Vikram Rathour revealed that Hardik is prepared to bowl four overs in a single match, despite his recent injury concerns. Pandya, however, remains focused on the task at hand and is determined to contribute to the team's success."Everything falls into place for people who work hard," Pandya said. "I just went, bowled a lot of overs, batted a lot of balls, so in that scenario you realize your potential slowly."Pandya is eagerly anticipating India's high-profile clash against Pakistan on Sunday. He believes that the team will approach the match with discipline and a collective goal of "hunting."

India's batting coach Vikram Rathour has confirmed that wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant will continue to bat at No. 3 in the T20 World Cup following his impressive performance against Ireland. Rathour also expressed his satisfaction with having a fully-fit Hardik Pandya back in the squad, both of whom played crucial roles in India's victory over Ireland on Wednesday.Pant and Pandya, who made their return to international cricket after a long hiatus due to injuries, showcased their skills in India's eight-wicket triumph in their opening game of the tournament. On a challenging pitch with uneven bounce, Pant's unbeaten 36 included a stunning reverse-scoop six, highlighting his return to form after a horrific car accident in December 2022."Yes, he has been batting really well. The two games (warm-up and Ireland) he has played, he has looked really, really good," Rathour told the media after the match at the Nassau County Cricket Stadium. "At the moment, he is our No. 3 and it helps that he is a left-hander," Rathour added, confirming Pant's spot in the lineup alongside skipper Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli at the top.Both Pant and Pandya demonstrated their fitness and form during the IPL, paving their way back into the India squad for the T20 World Cup. Despite a challenging season as captain for Mumbai Indians, Pandya's skills as an all-rounder were highly valued by India's chief selector Ajit Agarkar.In the match against Ireland, Pandya's performance with the ball was remarkable. He delivered a precise spell, taking three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs, marking his first match since October 2023 when he had to leave the field due to an ankle injury during a game against Bangladesh."Hardik looked really good. Hardik has been — I mean, even in the practice game and even in the practice — bowling really well," Rathour noted. "He looks fit enough to go through four overs and he's been bowling with some pace and some accuracy, so yeah, it's great," he added.India's positive start to the T20 World Cup, bolstered by the return of Pant and Pandya, sets a promising tone for their campaign as they continue to navigate the challenges of the tournament.

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya's recent struggles with Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024 have raised concerns ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. Despite his appointment as captain, Mumbai Indians finished at the bottom of the points table, leading to criticism and booing from fans.However, West Indies legend Ian Bishop believes that Pandya's strong personality will help him overcome these challenges. "He is a pretty strong personality," Bishop said. "I would like to think that the other members of the team would have rallied around him."Pandya's recent performance in India's T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match against Bangladesh, where he scored an explosive 23-ball 40, has also boosted confidence. Speaking after the match, Pandya acknowledged the difficult times he has faced but emphasized his commitment to staying in the battle."Eventually, I believe, you have to stay in the battle," Pandya said. "Sometimes life puts you in situations where things are tough, but I believe that if you leave the game or the field, the battle that is, you won't get what you want from your sport, or the results you are looking for."Pandya's resilience and determination have been tested in recent months, but he remains confident in his ability to overcome adversity. "I have gone through these phases many times and I will come out of it as well," he said.As India prepares for the T20 World Cup 2024, Pandya's form and leadership will be crucial. His ability to handle pressure and inspire his team will be key to India's success in the tournament.

Hardik Pandya's resurgence in the Indian blue jersey was a sight to behold as he played a pivotal role in India's T20 World Cup victory over Ireland. After enduring a tumultuous IPL 2024 season as Mumbai Indians skipper, Pandya showcased his versatility and effectiveness with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets.Pandya's fast-medium bowling proved to be a game-changer, with his precision and adaptability on a helpful track. He delivered 72 percent of his balls either on length or just short of good length, with 44 percent pitched on a good length to extract movement off the surface.The first wicket of Lorcan Tucker was a testament to Pandya's accuracy, as the ball tailed in and dislodged the middle stump. Curtis Campher fell victim to a delivery that pitched on length and seamed away, showcasing Pandya's ability to swing the ball.Pandya's return to form was a much-needed boost for skipper Rohit Sharma, who will rely on his versatility to balance the team combination in upcoming matches. The resounding cheer of approval from the crowd was a welcome change for Pandya, who had faced relentless trolling and booing during the IPL."It's always special to play for the country, WC is something I've been able to contribute," Pandya said during the innings break. "I really liked the first wicket. Generally, don't hit the stumps often, I have a tendency to bowl back of a length. But on this wicket, I needed to be a lot fuller to be in the game."Pandya's performance against Ireland underlined his importance to the Indian team, providing valuable support with the ball and offering a much-needed boost to his skipper. As India progresses through the T20 World Cup, Pandya's versatility and effectiveness will be crucial to their success.

Hardik Pandya's Stellar Performance Leads India to Victory in T20 World Cup OpenerIn a crucial T20 World Cup Group A match at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, India's all-rounder Hardik Pandya emerged as a savior, claiming three crucial wickets to restrict Ireland to a meager 96 runs.Pandya's impressive bowling display, along with the exceptional performances of Arshdeep Singh (2/35), Mohammed Siraj (1/13), and Jasprit Bumrah (2/6), left the Irish batters struggling to find their footing. The Indian bowlers maintained a disciplined line and length, leaving no room for the opposition to score freely.Despite a disappointing IPL 2024 campaign, Pandya expressed his delight with his performance, emphasizing his consistent contributions in World Cups. "It's always special to play for the country and for pride," he said. "I've been able to contribute in the World Cups, and I'm grateful for that."Pandya also praised the outstanding catch taken by Axar Patel, highlighting the importance of hand-eye coordination in such crucial moments.The Indian all-rounder further acknowledged the unwavering support of the Indian crowd in the USA, stating, "We Indians are everywhere, we rule the world."With this victory, India has made a strong start to their T20 World Cup campaign, showcasing their bowling prowess and the ability to perform under pressure.

Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya Bury Differences Ahead of T20 World CupRumors of a rift between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya have been circulating since the latter replaced the former as captain of the Mumbai Indians in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Both players endured a disappointing IPL campaign, with MI finishing at the bottom of the standings.However, as India prepares for the T20 World Cup, it appears that Sharma and Pandya have put their differences aside. In a photo shared by journalist Vimal Kumar, Sharma, the captain, was seen batting in the nets while Pandya, his deputy, bowled to him.The image suggests that the two players are committed to uniting for the common goal of winning the World Cup. India will begin their campaign on Wednesday against Ireland in New York.The equation between Sharma and Pandya has been a topic of discussion in the lead-up to the tournament. Sharma traveled with the first group of players to New York, while Pandya joined the team a few days later.Despite the rumors, it seems that the two players have resolved their issues and are focused on leading India to success. India will be aiming to end their ICC trophy drought, having last won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2013.

India's T20 World Cup squad boasts an impressive quartet of all-rounders, and captain Rohit Sharma has emphasized their crucial role in the team's success. The squad includes pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube, as well as left-arm spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who can all contribute significantly with the bat.Rohit acknowledged the versatility and balance that these all-rounders bring to the team. He stated, "In fast-bowling all-rounders we have Hardik and Dube while Jadeja and Axar give us options in the spin department." The captain emphasized the need to utilize these players effectively throughout the tournament, depending on the conditions and the team's needs.The spin attack also features wrist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, adding to the team's potency. Rohit acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the conditions and emphasized the importance of finding the best combination that suits the team's needs, whether it involves playing all three spinners or relying on the seamers.India had the benefit of playing a warm-up match against Bangladesh before facing Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA in the tournament proper. Rohit cautioned against expecting high scores similar to those witnessed in the recent IPL, given the behavior of the pitch at Nassau County ground on Monday.The team carries the weight of immense expectations, having not won an ICC title since 2013. Rohit shared his thoughts on the team's mindset entering the tournament, emphasizing the importance of focusing on the present and playing as a cohesive unit. He said, "I am just going to go and play the way I can and get everyone together to play as a team."Rohit is also excited about playing in New York for the first time. He expressed, "From the time you arrived in New York, pending only 10 minutes at immigration, which is very rare, doesn't happen. So you can make out that the buzz is there, even the locals here are quite intrigued by a cricket tournament happening, a world cup happening here."