Hardik Pandya will have to perform with the ball in IPL: Wasim Jaffer

Hardik Pandya and his fitness were the talking points during the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year. Moreover, the all-rounder not bowling much, also raised a lot of eyebrows as chief selector Chetan Sharma had said that he will bowl his quota of four overs during the squad announcement press conference. Since the mega event, Hardik has not played any kind of competitive cricket and has worked on his fitness.

Even as he was declared fit at the NCA to take part in the IPL 2022, all the eyes were on the Gujarat Titans skipper when he took the field against the Lucknow Super Giants on Monday (March 28). It is very important for him to bowl and prove his fitness, and former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer also felt the same.

Jaffer, while speaking on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket Show’ on CricTracker, pointed out that the selectors will have a keen eye on Hardik Pandya’s fitness and performances in the IPL with the T20 World Cup scheduled to be played later this year in Australia.

“Pandya has been away from international cricket for quite some time now. T20 World Cup is scheduled for later this year. If he wants to make it to the WC, his performance with the ball needs to be the best,” Jaffer said. Interestingly, Hardik Pandya bowled a full tilt in GT’s opening game, conceding 37 runs in his four-over spell without picking up a wicket.

Krunal also needs to buckle up, says Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer went on to say that Hardik’s brother Krunal Pandya should also pull up his socks in terms of performances this season after not doing much in IPL 2021. “Another Pandya, Krunal Pandya, needs to buckle up too, else this will be his last season. Both the brothers need to perform well in this tournament if they want to survive,” Jaffer added.

It remains to be seen now if the Pandya brothers live up to their billing for their respective teams as the season progresses.