Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif expects all-rounder Hardik Pandya to play the role that legendary Yuvraj Singh played for India during the triumphant 2011 World Cup campaign.

The Men in Blue are all set to open their 2023 World Cup campaign against five-time champions Australia at Chepauk on Sunday (October 8).

Speaking to Star Sports, Kaif said Pandya’s net session is full of planning while also adding that the latter is practicing by hitting shots straight and in the V.

“Hardik Pandya always prepares a plan before going to nets. He already knows what he needs to work on. The way we have seen him batting, it shows that he has his plan for the last 10 overs. He is hitting the shots straight along the ground, indicating that he has a proper plan for hitting the ball in a V-shape and straight only,” said Kaif.

According to Kaif, Hardik Pandya has the capability to emulate Yuvraj Singh’s heroics from the 2011 World Cup.

“Recently, we have seen Hardik Pandya playing at number 3, 4 in IPL but he playing at number 6 for India will play the same role, which Yuvraj Singh has played in 2011 world cup. Hardik Pandya has the ability to play like Yuvraj Singh, who played and finished the game at number 6 for India in the 2011 World Cup with both ball and bat,” he added.

The all-rounder has grown by leaps and bounds in the last couple of 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.

In the Asia Cup last month, Pandya played the role of Rohit Sharma’s deputy and the former has been designated as the vice-captain for the ongoing World Cup as well.

No wonder, Kaif has high hopes from Hardik Pandya. “Observing his net practice sessions, I get the feeling that his main goal is to hit fours and sixes straight down the middle of the ground, indicating that he is following his game plan. Hardik Pandya will definitely play a significant role in this World Cup,” he remarked.