Cricket

“Takes a man of deep character” – Robin Uthappa on Hardik Pandya’s return to form at 2024 T20 World Cup

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa has lauded Hardik Pandya’s return to form in the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. Pandya could not deliver the goods while leading Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League 2024. 

Pandya scored 216 runs in 13 innings at an average of 18 and picked 11 wickets at a high economy rate of 10.75 in IPL 2024. The all-rounder was also booed by the Ahmedabad crowd and faced a similar situation while leading at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. However, Pandya has proved his mettle in the ongoing T20I showpiece. 

The right-hander has scored 89 runs in three innings at an average of 44.50 and a strike rate of 141.26. He also scored a match-winning knock of 50 runs off just 27 balls against Bangladesh in the last game. Furthermore, the all-rounder has scalped eight wickets in five matches at an average of 13.75 and an impressive economy rate of 6.47.

Robin Uthappa said on Ravichandran Ashwin’s YouTube Channel, “I love that Hardik is batting so well and bowling so well. And just his demeanour, he has been through a lot.

“If you look at what he has been through the last few months, the last six months, professional life, personal life, the scrutiny, everything he has gone through, to stack up performances that he is stacking up right now, takes a man of deep character. And that needs to be celebrated.”

On the other hand, Ravindra Jadeja has gone wicketless so far in the tournament and he was also expensive against Bangladesh as he bowled short. Uthappa feels Rohit Sharma should make Jadeja bowl more as he is a rhythm bowler.

“I think Jaddu, especially as a bowler, needs to turn up a little bit more. I think he’s a rhythm guy and I don’t think he’s able to bowl often enough.

“I think that rhythm, when it’s not there, he also backs himself a little bit lesser. So, I would like for him to bowl a lot more before the semifinals happen against a good side and this seems like the perfect team to be able to do that.”

India will next take on Australia at the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia on Monday.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

PKL 12: Dabang Delhi K.C. vs UP Yoddhas, Match 61 – Preview

Dabang Delhi K.C. will take on UP Yoddhas in the 61st match of the ongoing… Read More

October 3, 2025

Shubman Gill says India would be disappointed if they don’t play the WTC final

Indian captain Shubman Gill said they would be disappointed if they don’t qualify for the… Read More

October 2, 2025

IND vs WI 2025: Jasprit Bumrah becomes joint fastest Indian pacer to 50 wickets at home

India’s gun fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah has become the joint fastest Indian pacer to take… Read More

October 2, 2025

Ravindra Jadeja says he would be happy to contribute as a vice-captain in IND vs WI Tests

India’s veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja revealed he was not told by the team management regarding… Read More

October 2, 2025

Next 2-3 Years, you will play for India: Abhishek Sharma recalls conversation with mentor Yuvraj Singh

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma recalled how mentor Yuvraj Singh lifted his morale when he was… Read More

October 2, 2025

‘Spoke to Tendulkar and Steve Smith before England series’: Shubman Gill reveals advice from them

Indian captain Shubman Gill revealed he spoke to Sachin Tendulkar and Steve Smith before the… Read More

October 2, 2025