'He will be a different player' - Sunil Gavaskar backs Hardik Pandya to excel at T20 World Cup 2024

Legendary Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar has backed star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to excel at the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The squads for the marquee tournament were announced recently by the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), and Pandya was named vice-captain.

Before the squad announcement, there were many questions raised about whether Pandya would compete in the T20 World Cup as he has been unable to perform as Mumbai Indians’ skipper in the IPL (Indian Premier League) 2024.

The 30-year-old has been under major scrutiny amid Mumbai Indians’ lacklustre campaign in the ongoing IPL. Coming into the competition after injury, Pandya was made captain of the five-time champions, and under his leadership, MI has been struggling.

Gavaskar acknowledged Pandya has been unable to perform in the IPL due to the negativity surrounding him after he was appointed MI’s skipper. However, the former batter reflected on how the energy in a player changes when he plays for his country. 

"There's a big difference between playing for your country and playing in the IPL. Playing for your country just brings out a different energy in every player and Hardik will be a different player. He has had to face a lot of issues in this tournament," Gavaskar told IndiaToday.

He has handled it quite well: Gavaskar

Furthermore, Sunil Gavaskar talked about how Pandya will be in a completely different state of mind when he goes overseas for India to play in the T20 World Cup. He backed the star all-rounder to put in his best performances with both the bat and the ball. 

"He has handled it quite well. So, when he goes overseas and plays for India, he will be in a completely different frame of mind. And that's going to be a much more positive frame of mind than what we have seen in this tournament. So Hardik will make good contributions with both bat and ball in the World Cup," Sunil Gavaskar said.