Team India are having a great time in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, taking place in the United States and West Indies.
The Men in Blue remained undefeated in Group A as they triumphed over Ireland, Pakistan and the USA in low-scoring games in New York while their last game against Canada in Florida was abandoned due to wet outfield.
In the Super 8 round, India have already defeated Afghanistan and Bangladesh in Barbados and Antigua respectively while their match is scheduled against Australia in St Lucia on June 24.
A standout performer for India in this tournament has been Hardik Pandya. The all-rounder has made crucial contributions for the team with both bat and ball.
In five games so far, Hardik has claimed eight wickets while he has amassed 89 runs from three innings, including a match-winning 50* off 27 balls against Bangladesh.
Pandya has completed his four-over quota on a consistent basis in this T20 World Cup, and former India head coach Ravi Shastri asked the all-rounder about his impressive bowling performances
Shastri reminded Hardik that there were occasions when questions were raised over his bowling fitness, to which latter had a rather straightforward answer.
“One year I didn't bowl, otherwise, I've bowled for every team. It has become much of a topic of Hardik Pandya's bowling,” Hardik said in a video posted by ICC.
“There's a lot of hard work that I need to do to fire on all cylinders. It gives me extra opportunity to contribute to the team and lifts my confidence. If I'm bowling well, it transfers to my batting and vice-versa,” he added.
In the same interview, Hardik Pandya also revealed how he gained confidence in his batting during India's first Super 8 clash against Afghanistan.
“Jasprit and I went on talking about the fact I don't really try to take wickets. I just try to bowl good balls and see what is required for the team. There's nothing called your own performance in this sport. It's all about what's required, bowling the right ball and right situation. In that process, if I get a wicket, it's good,” Hardik stated.
“The same goes for batting, depending on the situation and how many wickets we have lost. My last hit against AFG helped me with my confidence. Today, I knew there was something for the batter to score runs. I played smart cricket and wanted to capitalize,” he further remarked.
Against Afghanistan, Hardik played a crucial knock of 32 in 24 balls after a top-order collapse. He was involved in a 60-run partnership with Suryakumar Yadav (53 off 38 balls), which helped India post a challenging total of 181/8 on the board.
