"Takes a man of deep character" - Robin Uthappa on Hardik Pandya's return to form at 2024 T20 World Cup
Robin Uthappa reserved high praise on Team India's Hardik Pandya for his impactful performances at the ongoing 2024 T20 World Cup. He pointed out how the all-rounder was targetted by many for his flop show as the Mumbai Indians skipper in IPL 2024).
Pandya received a hostile reception from fans, even at MI's Wankhede Stadium home ground, after replacing Rohit Sharma as the team's captain. To exacerbate matters, his own performances were quite underwhelming as the side finished with the wooden spoon.
Uthappa opined that it takes a lot of character to bounce back following such a phase. On Ravichandran Ashwin's YouTube channel, the cricketer-turned-commentator said:
"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."
Hardik Pandya hit a quickfire half-century in India's Super 8 match against Bangladesh on Saturday, June 22. The swashbuckling batter remained unbeaten on 50 off 27, helping the team to 196-5 and winning by 50 runs.
"Needs to turn up a little bit more" - Robin Uthappa on Ravindra Jadeja's bowling
Ravindra Jadeja has failed to make a significant impact at the ongoing showpiece event. Robin Uthappa reckons the left-arm spinner needs to bowl more overs to regain his rhythm.
Suggesting that the game against Australia could be the ideal time for Jadeja to get in a few overs, Uthappa said:
"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."
Ravindra Jadeja has picked up one wicket in four matches at an economy rate of 6.77 in the 2024 T20 World Cup. India next lock horns with Australia in their final Super 8 outing on Monday (June 24).