T20 World Cup 2024: S Sreesanth backs Pandya's inclusion in Indian squad

Former Indian pacer S Sreesanth ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 said that Hardik Pandyas presence and Virat Kohli will make a great combination while chasing the totals for India With Pandya struggling with his form the selectors backed him for the 15man squad by looking at his past performances and ability to shift the momentum quickly with the bat and ballIf his selection in the squad was not enough many were surprised by his appointment as vicecaptain for the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and the West IndiesBut Sreesanth backed the selectors decision to include Pandya in the squad We have seen what he can do on the field minus this years IPL The way hes been batting and the way hes been bowling for the country he even led the country in one series and we won Sreesanth remarked during a discussion on Star Sports It was asked to Rohit about that and he said sometimes Im the captain and sometimes Im not But that doesnt change the teams aura and atmosphereAlso ReadIPL 2024 MI vs KKR A turnaround for Paltan at the WankhedeSo its one good thing that Hardik Pandya comes in and bats especially when hes chasing and Virat is on the other side I think the combination they create is greatHardik Pandya last represented India during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh Later the veteran recovered from his ankle injury and was named as the captain of Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL 2024Speaking about Pandyas bowling Sreesanth said Hardik can take the new ball or the old ball especially against Pakistan but its not only against Pakistan we are going to play a lot of different teamsSo its an opportunity for Hardik to forget what hes done in this IPL and maybe you never know there are a few matches left and he may just come upFormer Australia allrounder Tom Moody also supported Pandyas selection in the Rohitled team saying he currently stands head and shoulders above other contendersHardik Pandya in the IPL 2024 has been underwhelming with the willow as well as with the ball So far he has been able to score 197 runs in 10 IPL 2024 matches and with the ball he has registered six wicketsName me three other people who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing Thats the bottom line That skill of being a genuine allrounder who can bat in your top six and potentially bowl four overs for you is very rare in India at the moment Moody said Yes there are a few others that play domestic cricket and are okay but not in international cricket which is of a different standard So I think he stands head and shoulders above anyone who is competing for that particular roleI think chief selector Ajit Agarkar has recognised that that is the case and we have to give him a longer rope with regards to his recovery with regards to his form and everything else because he is a very precious commodity in this country Moody added The Aussie also said Shivam Dube should bowl a lot at training so that he is ready for the job when required during a match Moody described his selection as a smart moveId be incredibly surprised if Dubey hasnt been doing his bowling workloads which is basically not bowling out in the middle in competition but bowling at practice and bowling in pregames getting his number of balls up per week to make sure that his body is conditioned to bowling Even though he might not have to bowl in match situation but hes got the bowling so its not like he hasnt bowled for two months and then suddenly called upon to bowl in a World Cup tournamentSo hell be up and ready physically for the opportunity So to me Shivam Dubey is a smart pick Moody saidWith PTI Inputs