India is all set to host the upcoming ODI World Cup in October-November. Aakash Chopra has highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya as India’s game-changer during the mega event. The former India opener explained the importance of the all-rounder and how his performances could have a huge bearing on the team’s outcome in the big-ticket tournament.
India is gearing ready to host the 2023 edition of the ODI World Cup. This is a significant milestone since it will be the very first time that this cricket-loving nation will exclusively host this grand tournament. It’s worth mentioning that India had previously hosted the 2011 ICC World Cup event in partnership with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
In both the 2015 and 2019 ICC mega-events, the host nations gained victory in the prestigious competition. With this history in mind, Indian cricket lovers are anxiously anticipating a continuation of this tendency in the forthcoming edition. The hopes are strong among Indian fans that their team may secure a successful conclusion once again.
“Let’s establish the fact that how important he is for India. There is only one Hardik Pandya in the country, who can bowl fast, can bowl with the new ball, and in the middle, has the ability to bowl at nearly 140 kph, and then bats and there too has the ability to bat down the order,” Aakash said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“I really think that he could be that game-changer. His doing well is directly related to India doing well. If we have to win the World Cup, the focus will be on the all-rounders’ performances, and among them, he is an extremely crucial cog in India’s dream of success.”
There is no one like Hardik Pandya says Aakash Chopra
Stepping up in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya led the Indian cricket squad in both ODIs and T20Is against the West Indies. His performance in the initial two ODIs was a tad modest, managing just five and seven runs. However, he demonstrated his skill in the third ODI, gradually advancing to a remarkable total of 70* off 52 balls.
Transitioning to the T20Is, Pandya’s form witnessed a downturn, scoring only 77 runs across four innings. Nevertheless, cricket commentator and former Indian opener Aakash Chopra voiced faith in the 29-year-old’s potential to flourish in the 2019 World Cup, attributing this conviction to Pandya’s versatile all-round qualities.
During his Caribbean tour, Hardik demonstrated his skills on both fronts. He secured five wickets in the eight white-ball matches he participated in, contributing valuably to the team’s efforts. This indicates his multi-faceted presence on the field, raising expectations for his future performances.
