India skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday (September 5) highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya's form for winning the upcoming ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup at home.
The all-rounder has grown by leaps and bounds in the last two years. After he proved his leadership skills by guiding Gujarat Titans (GT) to the IPL 2022 title, Hardik was appointed India’s T20I captain last year.
Pandya recently took charge of the Indian team during the second and third ODIs against West Indies after Rohit was rested to try out different combinations.
In the ongoing Asia Cup, Hardik is performing the role of Rohit’s deputy and the former has been designated as the vice-captain for the 2023 World Cup as well.
"His form will be crucial to us. He's a guy who does both the things (batting and bowling), and that's important.
"In the last year or so he has come up with the bat and his bowling has been good too. That's important for us," Rohit told reporters after chief selector Ajit Agarkar picked a 15-member squad for the 50-over World Cup.
The captain also praised Hardik Pandya for his valiant knock against Pakistan in India’s Asia Cup 2023 opener at Pallekele on Saturday (September 2).
When the Men in Blue were reeling at 66/4, Hardik slammed 87 off 90 balls and added 138 runs for the fifth wicket with Ishan Kishan (82 off 81 balls) to take the team to a competitive total of 266/10 in 48.5 overs.
"You saw the quality in the last game against Pakistan. Ishan and Hardik put their hands up and scored well. Obviously, with bowling too he's great. He has bowled well in the last year and a half for us.
"The way he batted in the last game showed that he has a very mature head on his shoulders. These are good signs for us," Rohit stated.
It's been a decade since Team India last won an ICC tournament. After MS Dhoni led the side to a Champions Trophy triumph in 2013, India have lost as many as four ICC event finals and bowed out in the semi-finals on numerous occasions.
Rohit hoped that the ODI format would give his side a bit of breathing space in knockout games even if things go awry.
"The 50-over format is different, especially where you play nine league games and semifinals and finals -- 11 games. There's always chance for you to make a comeback.
"The format gives you more time to think about strategy and what you're going to execute as a team. You have lesser time in T20 format. Yes, the ODIs does give you a little more breathing space," he said.
Rohit also expressed his satisfaction over the 15-member squad picked for the World Cup.
"We're happy. This is the best we can do with balance and depth. We have three all-rounders in the team, 4 bowlers and six batters. We have thought about it a lot and named this squad. This is the best combination for us," he remarked.
The high-voltage India versus Pakistan clash in the ODI World Cup is scheduled at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on October 14.
While the build-up for the marquee encounter has already started, Rohit said the players are not thinking about that game only.
"We don't care about what is said outside. All the boys are professionals and they have seen all this. It doesn't make a huge difference," said Rohit.
(With PTI Inputs)
