Former India cricketer Pragyan Ojha wanted Hardik Pandya to play the role of a true leader in the games leading up to the T20 World Cup and in the showpiece event, starting June 2. The BCCI announced India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup and Hardik was named as the vice-captain of the team. The selectors showcased faith in Hardik and entrusted him with the responsibility of being the deputy to Indian captain Rohit Sharma.
Ojha, while speaking to Jio Cinema, pointed out that it would be important for Hardik to shake off all the negativity around him and perform like a true leader, adding that Hardik should be mentally prepared to captain the side in case of an unfortunate injury to Rohit Sharma.
“I expect him to play like a leader because he is next in command. If something happens to Rohit, we don’t want that, if anything happens, he (Hardik) will be leading the side, so he has to be prepared, he has to take that responsibility when he is batting,” Ojha said. T20 World Cup press conference: Live updates
Hardik last featured in an international match for India during the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh in October 2023. He recovered from an ankle injury well in time ahead of IPL 2024 and was named as the captain of the 5-time champions — a decision that has invited a lot of criticism and seemingly affected the confidence of the Baroda all-rounder.
Meanwhile, Ojha praised Hardik for the balance that he offers the senior national team. Despite his ordinary form in the IPL, there was very little debate around Hardik’s place in the side and it was not a surprise to see his name in the 15-man squad.
“HARDIK SHOULD FOCUS ON WORLD CUP”
“For me, he is someone who will create that balance for the side. Every time we talk about Indian team selection, Hardik’s name always comes in. He creates that balance, he will give you that cushion. That you can have an extra batter or a bowler, wherever he is needed. That’s what we want him to do, to be mentally ready for the World Cup and just forget what is happening in IPL and focus on the World Cup, that is more important,” Ojha added.
It was not a fairytale return for Hardik in IPL 2024. He was not only booed by the crowds across venues but was also criticised by the experts for his captaincy. Hardik has not been able to impress with either the bat or the ball.
In 10 matches, he has managed to score 197 runs at an average of 150.38. The all-rounder has picked only 6 wickets at an economy rate of 11.00. MI stand at the 2nd last position in the points table with just 3 wins in 10 games.
