'He has the potential to take the game away in the whiff of a breath' - Dinesh Karthik names India's vital cog for T20 WC 2021

The T20 World Cup 2021 is all set to commence in October and the discussion around the same has already begun. Cricket experts and commentators are also putting in their thoughts regarding the high-profile tournament and Dinesh Karthik has also joined the line. Karthik added that Virat Kohli and company would be favourite to win the ICC event.

India’s run in the T20 WC would begin with a much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on October 24. Ahead of the tournament, Karthik named the vital cog in India’s setup who can make all the difference in the UAE. Karthik has named ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya as one of the vital elements in India’s squad when they will look up to bag their second title in the shortest format of the game.

It has to be noted that in recent times, Hardik Pandya has developed himself as one of the finest finishers not only for India but his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians as well. Karthik feels that having so many years of experience in IPL will push Pandya to perform well and he can ace both departments of the game very well.

Hardik Pandya has a job to do every time he comes in, reckons Dinesh Karthik

“The question is, on that big day – like it happened a few years ago in Mumbai — somebody turns up and does well, what are you going to do someone special. And from India, through the tournament, if they have to find ways of pushing themselves, there are a lot of key players, but I would like to single out this man, who is in the middle of it all,” said Karthik while speaking on Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’.

“He bats at No.6, he has a job to do every time he comes in, he has the potential to take the game away in the whiff of a breath — that’s how good he is. So, again with ball, he is very good with it, he is very handy, he can bowl at 85-87 mph, but also mix in the slower ones,” concluded Karthik while highlighting Pandya’s role.