Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has expressed his disappointment over the relentless trolling of all-rounder Hardik Pandya by fans amidst his poor performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Jaffer believes that Pandya will prove his worth in the upcoming T20 World Cup, silencing his critics.
Despite being named captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), Pandya has endured a disappointing season, failing to deliver with the bat, ball, and as a leader. MI has suffered seven losses in 10 games, including a recent four-wicket defeat to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Pandya’s struggles have drawn criticism from fans, particularly on social media.
Jaffer, however, has defended Pandya, emphasizing his crucial contributions to the Indian team in white-ball cricket. He cited Pandya’s match-winning performances in the T20 World Cup 2022, including his 40 runs against Pakistan and his century partnership with Virat Kohli. Pandya’s hard-hitting half-century against England in the semifinals and his two wickets in the final over against Bangladesh in the 2016 T20 World Cup are also testament to his ability to perform under pressure.
Jaffer believes that the same fans who are now trolling Pandya will be singing his praises once he delivers in the T20 World Cup, which will be held in the West Indies and USA from June 1. India’s squad for the tournament includes Pandya as Rohit Sharma’s deputy.
The BCCI has announced a 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup, with Rohit Sharma leading the team and Hardik Pandya serving as vice-captain. India is placed in Group A alongside Pakistan, Ireland, Canada, and co-hosts USA. Their campaign begins on June 5 against Ireland before they face Pakistan on June 9 in a highly anticipated match.
