T20 World Cup 2024: “A 10-ball 25 changes everything”- Gautam Gambhir confident of Hardik Pandya will continue good form

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is confident that Hardik Pandya will continue his good form in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Pandya could not deliver the goods while leading Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2024. 

Pandya scored 216 runs in 13 innings at an average of 18 and picked 11 wickets at a high economy rate of 10.75 in IPL 2024. The all-rounder was also booed by the Ahmedabad crowd and faced a similar situation while leading at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. However, Pandya has proved his mettle in the ongoing T20I showpiece. 

The right-hander has scored 116 runs in four innings at an average of 58 and a strike rate of 145. He also scored a match-winning knock of 50 runs off just 27 balls against Bangladesh and then added the finishing touches with a 17-ball 27 against Australia. Furthermore, the all-rounder has scalped eight wickets in six matches at an average of 19.62 and an impressive economy rate of 7.47.

Gambhir, who is expected to take India’s coaching baton, said a cameo of 10-ball 25 can make a lot of difference in the T20I format.

Gambhir said on Sportskeeda, “Hardik has that ability, capability, mental strength and is the important member of that Indian team. He has got that X-factor be it as a batter, bowler or fielder. T20 cricket is such a format that a 10-ball 25 changes everything and everything starts to click. You pick two wickets in two balls and everything is back to normal.”

The 2007 T20 World Cup winner added that one is expected to handle the pressure while playing for the national team at the top level.

“When you’re playing international cricket, there will always be pressure on you, especially if you’re playing a World Cup. Very few players get an opportunity to play a World Cup for their country. The kind of player Hardik is, I have got no doubt (he will come good).

“Every player in the world has gone through a bad patch. It is just not possible that you always keep performing.”

India will take on England in the second semifinal at the Providence Stadium, Guyana on Thursday.