Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer expressed disappointment with fans who are trolling Indian all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya for his poor performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Jaffer believes that during the upcoming T20 World Cup in the West Indies and USA, Pandya will play crucial innings, BCCI announced India’s 15-member squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Rohit Sharma will lead India in the tournament, with Hardik Pandya serving as his deputy.
Wasim Jaffer backs Pandya’s selection in India’s T20 World Cup squad
Jaffer took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice his thoughts, stating, “Criticise his performance as much as you want, but it’s extremely disappointing to see the constant personal trolling and attacks. Stay strong @hardikpandya7; next month, you’ll be playing crucial knocks in the WC, and the same people will be singing your praise.”
Check more latest news on Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya’s below-par IPL 2024
This season, Hardik Pandya has struggled with both bat and ball, scoring just 197 runs at an average of 21.88 and a strike rate of 150.38. With the ball, he has taken only six wickets at an average of 42.16 and an economy rate of 11.00. The criticism and hate on social media mainly stem from his controversial move back to MI after a successful stint with the Gujarat Titans (GT). Pandya’s return to MI, where he won the title in 2022 as captain of the GT, led to a fan war, with Rohit Sharma’s supporters accusing him of betraying the franchise and its captain.
Hardik’s history in T20 World Cup
However, Hardik has a history of making significant contributions in white-ball cricket for India. His performances include scoring 40 runs against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022, a century partnership with Virat Kohli in a tense run-chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and crucial wickets against Bangladesh in the 2016 T20 World Cup.
India is in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. Their campaign starts on June 5 against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York before facing Pakistan on June 9.
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