T20 World Cup 2022: Hardik Pandya has got to mature a bit more, says Tim Bresnan
T20 World Cup 2022: Hardik Pandya needs to mature a bit more, feels former English cricketer Tim Bresnan, who expects the India all-rounder to play a significant role in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Since returning from an injury layoff, Pandya has demonstrated his leadership abilities in addition to his prowess with the bat and ball, leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 championship on his debut.
Pandya demonstrated his importance to the Indian team once again at the recently concluded Asia Cup. As he led his country to a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the opening match.
“Definitely, a pace bowling all-rounder is quite crucial, it balances your team, it gives you two cricketers in one,” the 37-year-old Bresnan, who is representing LNJ Bhilwara Kings in the second edition of Legends League Cricket here, told PTI.
Pandya has struggled with injuries in the past, so the team’s brain tank is considerate of how much work he should be doing and will rest him for the forthcoming T20I series in South Africa.
Bresnan said that it was due to his position’s demanding nature.
“It’s a tough position to play because you are always involved in the game, so it’s quite demanding physically. Fast bowling all-rounders are worth the weight in gold.
“Hardik is really good on the field as well, he’s a very good athlete. He’s got to mature a bit more, then he is going to be a top, top player,” Bresnan, who called it quits after playing for 20 years, added.
Bresnan chose the Rohit Sharma-led team as one of the semifinal contenders for the T20 world cup. Along with Australia, New Zealand, and England, disregarding the Asia Cup and India’s early exit.
“You can’t discount India ever… But I think England, Australia and New Zealand probably are the three favourites. But India and Pakistan have the same chance and Sri Lanka have done really well in the Asia Cup. So you never know, whoever brings on the day.”
Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is also returning after missing the Asia Cup due to injury-related concerns. And Bresnan believes he will succeed right away.
“He’s got genuine pace, he’s got too much quality to be rusty. He is too professional, I think he would be fine for the World Cup,” he said.