The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, is gearing up to defend its title in the upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, which begins on February 7. Veteran Hardik Pandya has been hailed as the Men in Blue’s “most decisive weapon” as his value to the team is arguably unparalleled.

The Men in Blue are currently in the midst of a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. Notably, this series is India’s last match before the T20 World Cup. Pandya took 4 wickets at an average of 17.00 and an economy rate of 8.50. With the bat, he scored 27 runs in two innings with a strike rate of 128.57.

Why India’s balance collapses without Hardik Pandya

The balance of the Indian team takes a major hit when Hardik Pandya is not in the starting XI. In modern T20 cricket, teams need flexibility and Pandya is the only Indian player who can provide it.

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With the bat, he can score quick runs in the middle and death overs. He has scored 2,029 runs in 128 T20I games at an average of 28.18 and a strike rate of 143.30, including 5 half-centuries.

Pandya can also bowl at different phases of the innings, which helps the captain fine-tune his plans during tense matches. He took 105 wickets with an average of 26.54, economy rate of 8.30 and best bowling figures of 4/16.

India’s biggest concern is the lack of similar replacements. With Pandya by his side, the team has the ability to draft an extra specialist batsman. In his absence, teams either shorten the batting order or turn to expensive part-time bowlers.

Importance of Hardik Pandya in India vs Pakistan conflict

Hardik Pandya has the ability to stay calm and deliver, especially in high-pressure games like India vs. Pakistan. He has played against Pakistan on the biggest stage.

In the 2022 T20 World Cup, he bowled a crucial 3-30 to help India stay in the game. In the 2024 tournament in New York, he went 2-24 in tough games against the same opponents.

In the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, he dismissed key batsmen Heinrich Klassen and David Miller before bowling the final over to seal the title for India.

Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup statistics

Hardik Pandya played 24 games in the T20 World Cup. He took 24 wickets at an average of 21.66 and an economy rate of 8.52. The fast bowler is India’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in T20 World Cup history.

Pandya recorded his best bowling figures of 3/20 in the 2024 final against South Africa. In the 2024 season, he took 11 wickets in just 8 games.

With the bat, Hardik Pandya scored 357 runs in the T20 World Cup at an average of 29.75, a strike rate of 142.23 and a highest score of 63. As India prepares for the next T20 World Cup, the team management hopes that Hardik will make a full recovery and aim for a third title.

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