With the World Cup round the corner, the Indian team is still in search of a No. 4 batsman to strengthen the middle order. Hardik Pandya, who made a stunning comeback in the recent IPL season after his controversial statements in a popular TV show and battling fitness worries, could play in the crucial slot.
Pandya shot to prominence after his exploits for Mumbai Indians in the 2015 IPL. The 25-year-old from Vadodara was picked up by the IPL franchise after his impressive performances in the domestic circuit for Baroda. He smashed an unbeaten 61 of 31 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders in his maiden IPL season. This knock was crucial in Mumbai making it to the play-offs. The team then went on to win their second IPL title and Pandya’s role was noted.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who was also the Mumbai Indians mentor, was impressed with Pandya's showing and told him that he would play for India in the near future. Little did he know that the opportunity would land in eight months. Pandya made his T20 International debut in January, 2016, against Australia where he picked up two wickets. From then on he never looked back.
In a vital 2016 World T20 match against Bangladesh, Pandya defended 10 off the final over and claimed two wickets as India scored a thrilling one-run win.
Pandya made his One-Day International (ODI) debut in October, 2016, against the Kiwis and his Test debut in 2017 against Sri Lanka. He notched up his maiden Test hundred in just his third Test at Pallekele on the same tour.
The vibrant youngster went on from strength to strength and he was hailed as the next Kapil Dev in an Indian team desperate for a fast-bowling all-rounder.
Pandya’s 93 against South Africa on a seaming track in the first Test at Cape Town in 2018 made heads turn. It was all the more commendable as the Indian top order had crumbled against the likes of Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.
Though he failed to deliver in a couple of Tests on the tour of England later in the year, he was ranked second among the all-rounders after Ben Stokes at the end of the five-match series.
This year has been a roller-coaster ride for Pandya. The back injury and suspension over the chat show row surely tested his resolve. But all credit to Pandya for turning it around.
The 2019 IPL will be remembered for Kolkata all-rounder Andre Russell and Pandya's sensational hitting. His 402 runs and 14 wickets from 16 matches went a long way in Mumbai Indians clinching a record fourth title.
Pandya's Mumbai Indians teammate and World Cup-winner Yuvraj Singh recently commented that he could do the job both with bat and ball in the World Cup. Yuvraj felt that the all-rounder was in top form in the IPL and hopefully he could carry that into the World Cup. Indian skipper Virat Kohli has been vocal about the balance Pandya brings to the team.
Pandya's never-say-die attitude, street-smart bowling and big hits make him a key player for India. His ability to deliver at the crunch is invaluable and Pandya is surely one of the players to watch out for this World Cup.
