Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has expressed empathy for Hardik Pandya, who is navigating a challenging phase in his career, and is hopeful that the all-rounder will rediscover his form during next month’s T20 World Cup.
Pandya endured a disappointing IPL season, both as a captain and player, with his team Mumbai Indians finishing at the bottom of the points table. The incessant jeering from fans, even at MI’s home ground, Wankhede Stadium, added to his woes.
However, Harbhajan expects a resurgence from Pandya in the World Cup. “When he wears that blue jersey. He will be a different Hardik Pandya because we know he can score those runs and take those wickets. I want Hardik to come good as he has gone through a lot and I wish him all the very best to have a very good tournament for India,” Harbhajan told PTI in an exclusive interview.
Harbhajan emphasized the importance of Pandya’s performance for India’s success. “If he has a good tournament, obviously India will have a great chance to go forward,” he said.
Pandya’s recent struggles were partly due to his transition from Gujarat to Mumbai and taking over MI’s captaincy from Rohit Sharma. The change reportedly created division within the team’s dressing room. In the World Cup, Rohit will resume his role as captain, with Pandya as his deputy.
Harbhajan urged the team management to ensure cohesion between Pandya and Rohit. “It looked like they (MI) were not playing together as a team. Hardik wasn’t a free man in the last two months. I believe both of them and many others who have played in different teams will have to come together to do something special for the nation,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of unity, Harbhajan added, “Winning a World Cup is a bigger achievement than winning an IPL trophy, so I would urge the management to bring everyone together, have them on one page, and make sure they play like one.”
Bumrah Will Need Support
Harbhajan pointed out that Jasprit Bumrah, among the chosen pacers Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj, is the only one who doesn’t rely on conditions to be effective. “Bumrah is in a different league for the kind of bowler he is. He will win you games on any kind of pitch. He doesn’t need conditions, whereas other bowlers like Arshdeep and Siraj would need help from conditions,” he said.
IPL Performances Won’t Matter
Harbhajan dismissed the relevance of IPL form in the World Cup. “No matter what you have done in your IPL career or previously, this is what counts the most…if I was in their shoes, I would be looking for this opportunity to showcase that I have been better than what I have been doing,” he stated.
Virat is a Changed T20 Batter
Harbhajan praised Virat Kohli for his improved T20 game in the IPL, noting a significant increase in his strike rate. “Virat has shown a lot of improvement from last year to this year. His strike rate was in the 130s last year and this time it is in the 160s,” he said.
Future Coaching Prospects
Regarding speculation about Gautam Gambhir potentially taking over as India’s head coach, Harbhajan stressed the importance of unity. “The biggest thing a coach can do is to bring everyone together, so that the team plays together,” he said. While he ruled himself out of the coaching race due to family commitments. He did not close the door on future opportunities.
“If the right time comes, I will put my foot forward and say I am ready for it,” he concluded.
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