“Takes a man of deep character” – Robin Uthappa on Hardik Pandya’s return to form at 2024 T20 World Cup

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has lauded Hardik Pandya’s return to form in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. Pandya could not deliver the goods while leading Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2024. 

Pandya scored 216 runs in 13 innings at an average of 18 and picked 11 wickets at a high economy rate of 10.75 in IPL 2024. The all-rounder was also booed by the Ahmedabad crowd and faced a similar situation while leading at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. However, Pandya has proved his mettle in the ongoing T20I showpiece. 

The right-hander has scored 89 runs in three innings at an average of 44.50 and a strike rate of 141.26. He also scored a match-winning knock of 50 runs off just 27 balls against Bangladesh in the last game. Furthermore, the all-rounder has scalped eight wickets in five matches at an average of 13.75 and an impressive economy rate of 6.47.

Robin Uthappa said on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube Channel, “I love that Hardik is batting so well and bowling so well. And just his demeanour, he has been through a lot.

“If you look at what he has been through the last few months, the last six months, professional life, personal life, the scrutiny, everything he has gone through, to stack up performances that he is stacking up right now, takes a man of deep character. And that needs to be celebrated.”

On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja has gone wicketless so far in the tournament and he was also expensive against Bangladesh as he bowled short. Uthappa feels Rohit Sharma should make Jadeja bowl more as he is a rhythm bowler.

“I think Jaddu, especially as a bowler, needs to turn up a little bit more. I think he’s a rhythm guy and I don’t think he’s able to bowl often enough.

“I think that rhythm, when it’s not there, he also backs himself a little bit lesser. So, I would like for him to bowl a lot more before the semifinals happen against a good side and this seems like the perfect team to be able to do that.”

India will next take on Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday.