NEW DELHI: Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has lauded India’s performance in the T20 World Cup group stage, highlighting Hardik Pandya’s unexpectedly strong bowling display and Rishabh Pant’s impressive run at number three as the major positives.
India advanced to the Super Eight stage by winning all their league group matches. Prior to the cancellation of their final league match against Canada due to a wet pitch in Florida, Rohit Sharma and his team defeated Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States.
“The biggest positive is Hardik Pandya’s performance with the ball. He was the fourth bowler in this tournament, but if you look at his wicket tally, he has exceeded expectations,” Harbhajan said on ‘Star Sports,’ according to PTI.
Pandya, who entered the World Cup following a disappointing IPL season, has taken seven wickets in as many games, bowling with intensity and dispelling doubts about his fitness.
Pant, who is making his return to international cricket after surviving a potentially fatal car accident in 2022, has also been impressive, with a strike rate of 124.67 in the competition.
“Rishabh Pant playing at number three is another big positive. His role was completely changed. Before this World Cup, there was talk of Sanju Samson being in the team because of his big scores,” Harbhajan remarked. “Promoting Pant to number three creates a valuable left-right combination in the batting order.”
India’s Super Eight campaign begins on June 20 against Afghanistan in Barbados. Harbhajan expressed confidence in the team’s ability to handle the challenge of unfamiliar conditions, given their strong performance in the USA.
“There are a lot of positives. Of course, there are challenges and difficulties. But challenges are faced by those who are brave. This team is full of brave players,” Harbhajan said. “They fought well and played excellently, which is why they topped their group.
