T20 World Cup 2022: He has got to mature a bit more – Former England pacer Tim Bresnan on Hardik Pandya

Former England fast bowler Tim Bresnan feels Hardik Pandya needs to mature a bit more. Bresnan predicted that Pandya is going to be a top player in the future for India. Pandya has certainly matured a lot in the last couple of years after through a tough time because of injury woes.

The right-hander has been performing consistently in the recent past and he has been playing at the top of his game since making a return from injury. Pandya led Gujarat Titans to glory in IPL 2022 as he led the team from the front.

The right-hander had scored 487 runs in 16 matches for Gujarat Titans and played a key role in taking the team to the championship.

On the other hand, Pandya has been consistently bowling around the 140 kmph mark. Pandya likes to bowl short and he could definitely add value as a seamer on the Australian pitches, which are known for their bounce and pace.

Bresnan explained while talking to PTI, “Definitely, a pace bowling all-rounder is quite crucial, it balances your team, it gives you two cricketers in one. It’s a tough position to play because you are always involved in the game, so it’s quite demanding physically. Fast bowling all-rounders are worth the weight in gold.

“Hardik Pandya is really good on the field as well, he’s a very good athlete. He’s got to mature a bit more, then he is going to be a top, top player.”

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah recently missed the Asia Cup due to a back injury. Bresnan expects Bumrah to hit the ground running in the T20 World Cup.

“He’s got genuine pace, he’s got too much quality to be rusty. He is too professional, I think he would be fine for the World Cup.”

Former English pacer added England, New Zealand and Australia will start as favorites for the T20 World Cup.

“You can’t discount India ever… But I think England, Australia and New Zealand probably are the three favorites. But India and Pakistan have the same chance and Sri Lanka have done really well in the Asia Cup, so you never know, whoever brings on the day.”

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah will both play against Australia in the three-match T20I series.