Cricket

IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya is a proven match winner – Varun Aaron picks MI captain in T20 World Cup squad ahead of Shivam Dube

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron has picked Hardik Pandya ahead of Shivam Dube in the T20 World Cup squad. Pandya isn’t in the best of forms for Mumbai Indians and Aaron feels the all-rounder might be regretting his decision to move from Gujarat Titans to his former team, MI.

Pandya scored an impressive knock of 46 runs off 24 balls in the previous match against Delhi Capitals but his efforts went in vain as they lost by 10 runs.

Meanwhile, Pandya led Gujarat Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and helped his team make it to the final in the previous season.

On the other hand, Shivam Dube has been in sensational form for the reigning champions Chennai Super Kings. Dube has scored 350 runs in nine matches of IPL 2024 at an average of 58.33 and a blistering strike rate of 172.41. However, the lanky all-rounder hasn’t bowled because of the impact player rule.

“Hardik for sure. Hardik is a proven match-winner. I know he is not at his best at the moment. There is so much noise around the Mumbai Indians camp. He is taking on a lot of pressure. No matter what happens, he must be thinking, man.. I was winning trophies in GT (Gujarat Titans). I was the captain. We came runners-up. Why the hell did I come here! (laughs). Because it’s a lot of pressure. And I would say it’s needless pressure because you were doing well, you were setting up your legacy at the Gujarat Titans,” Aaron told Star Sports when asked to pick one between Pandya and Dube.

“But then he has come to Mumbai Indians and I understand why because he loves Mumbai. He loves Mumbai Indians. They gave him the initial platform and he has gone on to conquer a lot in world cricket through that. But you gotta see he had a really good run at the Titans. So, I think once you remove him from that pressure kind-of spot, he will shine,” he added.

Mumbai Indians have managed only three wins in nine games. MI will take on LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow on Tuesday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Ajinkya Rahane says there can be a toss-up between Rinku and Kuldeep in India’s T20 World Cup playing XI

India’s veteran batter Ajinkya Rahane feels there can be an arm-wrestle between Rinku Singh and… Read More

January 9, 2026

Tilak Varma Ruled Out of First Three T20Is Against New Zealand After Surgery

Indian batter Tilak Varma has been ruled out of the opening three matches of India’s… Read More

January 9, 2026

Irfan Pathan questions Mohammed Shami’s exclusion from ODI series against New Zealand

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has questioned the selectors for excluding Mohammed Shami in the… Read More

January 5, 2026

Ricky Ponting ‘couldn’t believe’ Shubman Gill’s exclusion from India’s T20 World Cup squad

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting admitted he couldn’t believe Shubman Gill’s omission from India’s T20… Read More

January 5, 2026

Aakash Chopra opens up on Gujarat Titans’ potential targets in IPL 2026 auction

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra has shed light on the Gujarat Titans’ potential targets… Read More

December 11, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal says Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma’s presence helps young players in ODI team

India’s talented batter Yashasvi Jaiswal said the presence of veteran batters Virat Kohli and Rohit… Read More

December 11, 2025