NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricketer
Pragyan Ojha
has urged
Hardik Pandya
to embrace the role of a "true leader" and rise to the occasion. Despite facing criticism, Hardik was appointed as the vice-captain of India's 15-member squad for the
T20 World Cup
.
Ojha expressed confidence in Hardik's leadership capabilities and his prowess as an all-rounder. He stressed the significance of mental preparedness, highlighting the need for Hardik to be ready to take charge when circumstances dictate.
Ojha's endorsement underscores the belief in Hardik's potential to excel not just as a player but also as a leader on the cricketing stage.
"I expect him to play like a leader because he is next in command. If something happens to Rohit, we don't want that, if anything happens, he (Hardik) will be leading the side, so he has to be prepared, he has to take that responsibility when he is batting," Ojha said on Jio Cinema.
Hardik's journey since the October 2023 ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. After recovering from an ankle ailment, he assumed the captaincy of Mumbai Indians for the IPL 2024 season, replacing
Rohit Sharma
. However, this decision sparked significant social media criticism, which evidently impacted the all-rounder's confidence.
Despite the adversity, Hardik has showcased glimpses of his batting prowess in the 2024 IPL season, scoring 197 runs at an impressive average of 150.38 in 10 games. However, his bowling performance has been less stellar, with only six wickets claimed at an economy rate of 11.0.
Navigating through the highs and lows, Pandya's resilience will be key as he seeks to regain his form and silence the critics, both on and off the field.
Ojha, acknowledging Hardik's significance in the Indian setup, lauded his ability to provide balance to the team. Despite the IPL ordeal, Hardik's place in the T20 World Cup squad was never in doubt. His versatility as an all-rounder offered India the flexibility they needed, a fact not lost on selectors or fans.
"For me, he is someone who will create that balance for the side. Every time we talk about Indian team selection, Hardik's name always comes in. He creates that balance, he will give you that cushion. That you can have an extra batter or a bowler, wherever he is needed. That's what we want him to do, to be mentally ready for the World Cup and just forget what is happening in the IPL and focus on the World Cup, that is more important," Ojha added.
(With IANS inputs)
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