Ex-AUS skipper picks an Indian player "who can win T20 World Cup on his own"
The Rohit Sharma-led team is all set to open their account in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2022 with a match against Pakistan. This mega clash will start on Sunday (October 23) at the Melbourne Cricket Ground at 1:30 PM IST.
Everyone is waiting for this much-anticipated clash between the two arch rivals. A victory in the game will undoubtedly give the team an advantage in moving on to the next round. That is why this game is very important for India and Pakistan. Both teams have also got some big match-winners in their side that can turn the game on its head.
The likes of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav give India a strong batting depth, while with the return of ace pacer Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan's pace bowling has certainly got better. However, there is one man that stands out, who has got the "X-factor".
He is none other than superstar all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has the ability to win games with his bat, ball, and fielding. Hardik will be a vital part of the team going ahead in the tournament, and his performance can provide India the path to success.
Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson also thinks the same and reckons that Hardik has got the ability to win the T20 World Cup for India on his own. In an interview with the Times of India, Watson praised the Indian all-rounder, saying that he has provided India with much-needed balance in both departments of the game.
Watson said, "Hardik Pandya is a talented cricketer. When he’s bowling, the way he’s paced up at 140s is amazing. His batting just continues to go through the roof. He’s not just a finisher, he’s a power hitter too. He’s got all the skills. We’ve seen him in the last IPL. He can win the T20 World Cup on his own. He is truly a match-winner."
Hardik made his comeback after the injury in the IPL 2022, where he captained Gujarat Titans to lift the IPL title in their maiden season. Then, he performed exceptionally well for India in the white-ball format and also captained the team in a few matches against Ireland and West Indies.
Hardik made 436 runs at an impressive strike rate of 151.28 in just 18 innings this year. With that, he has also taken 12 wickets in 17 innings. He also won the "Man of the Match" award in the win against Pakistan in the group stage of the Asia Cup 2022. India would want him to continue his form in this tournament as well.