Hardik At No.6 is Valuable For The Team & A Game Changer: Virat Kohli
Virat also said that Hardik is getting fit and will bowl two overs at some point in the tournament
Mumbai: Ahead of the most anticipated match in cricketing history, Indian Skipper Virat Kohli has spoken about all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s ability at No.6 and said that his ability is priceless and ‘it cannot be created overnight.
During a virtual pre-match press conference, Virat Kohli said, “What he (Hardik Pandya) brings at number six for us is something that you cannot create overnight. Hence, I was always in favour of backing him as a batter in Australia purely and we saw what he did in the T20 series and how he can take the game away from the opposition.” Also Read: Our Bowlers Are Dominant And In A Good Shape: Babar Azam Ahead Of Clash Against India
He added, “We understand the value he brings to the team as a number six batter and it is important to have such players who can play impact innings. For us, that is way more valuable than forcing him to do something that he cannot at the moment, he is motivated and he is keen to start giving us a couple of overs too.”
Virat also said that Hardik is getting fit and will bowl two overs at some point in the tournament. However, he has also looked in options who can chip in overs so that they can play without worry. Also Read: Dravid Hasn’t Accepted Offer To Become India’s Head Coach: Ganguly
“Well, I honestly feel that Hardik Panday presently with his physical condition is getting better in terms of being prepared to bowl at least two overs for us at a certain stage in this tournament and we strongly believe we can make the most of the opportunity we have at our hand till the time he starts bowling. We have considered a couple of other options to chip in with overs so we are not bothered at all.” Also Read: Pakistan Announce Their 12-Man Squad For T20 World Cup 2021 Match Against India
In October 2019, Pandya had undergone an acute lower-back injury back surgery in London and although he played last year’s IPL, he turned up solely as a batter.
Team India will lock horns with Pakistan in the Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup on Sunday (October 24) evening at 7:30 pm IST at the Dubai International Stadium. Also Read: Pakistan Always Played Their Hearts Out Against India: Suresh Raina
Virat Kohli and Co. will face-off against Babar Azam-led Pakistan almost after 2 years, to rekindle the age-old rivalry. India is unbeaten against Pakistan in T20 World Cup, just like 50 over the world cup.
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