Pandya has been a vital contributor to the Indian bowling attack, claiming five wickets at an economy rate of 6.37 in the first two matches of the tournament.
ALSO SEE: T20 WORLD CUP 2024 Schedule | Points Table
While his batting performance has yet to make a significant impact, Mhambrey emphasized that the team was not concerned about Pandya’s form.
Mhambrey stated that Pandya’s confidence in his abilities was never in doubt, and the team was aware that he would eventually regain his form.
“Hardik’s confidence in his ability was never in doubt. Sometimes you don’t get into the rhythm, no matter what you do. You’re bowling consistently, but you just cannot get into a rhythm. His work ethic was the same. We knew he was going to come good,” Mhambrey said in the pre-match press conference.
The team management expects him to continue making a significant impact as the tournament progresses, with the next match against the co-hosts, USA, scheduled for Wednesday in New York.
During the IPL, Pandya led the Mumbai Indians franchise for the first time in his career. In 14 matches, he conceded 387 runs and took 11 wickets.
Despite facing criticism from fans early in the tournament, Mhambrey highlighted that if Pandya’s work ethic had been a concern, he would not have been able to perform well in the T20 World Cup.
“If it was worrisome, he would not have done anything in that phase. If he did not work on that, then it was a little worrisome. But one thing was, for sure, I knew that I also followed that, that his work ethic was going on the same as before. So, if that is going on with him then after one or two matches, the rhythm of the bowler comes. After he got into that rhythm, you can see the difference between the IPL and this tournament,” he added.
Pandya’s contribution was crucial in India’s victory over Pakistan, where he claimed the important wickets of Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan.
(Inputs from ANI)