Hardik Pandya has spoken out about the criticism he received for his failure to bowl in the 2021 T20 World Cup. The all-rounder said he was picked for the side as a batsman and bowled in a game where he wasn’t supposed to be. It should be mentioned that BCCI head selector Chetan Sharma indicated that Pandya has been selected as an all-rounder and would bowl his share of 4 overs on a frequent basis. Hardik Pandya On His Criticism said Felt Like Everything Was Thrown At Me During T20 WC.
Unfortunately, this did not take place since Pandya did not restore his bowling fitness. He did bowl in a few matches, but it didn’t benefit the team considerably. Interestingly, the Virat Kohli-led Indian side had a dismal performance, failing to even make it out of the group stage. Considering Hardik did not have a productive run, several criticized his inclusion in the squad.
Hardik Pandya On Criticism:
I want to win the World Cup for the country: Hardik
In response, Hardik Pandya stated that he felt the whole burden for the team’s failure was put on him. “The position we were in at the World Cup, I felt everything was thrown at me. I was selected in the squad as a batter. I worked hard to bowl in the 1st game, but I couldn’t. I did bowl in the 2nd one even when I wasn’t supposed to,” said the all-rounder.
On the other hand, Pandya has been out of play since the showpiece event in November 2021. He is now eager towards making a proper comeback as an all-rounder. “I want to play as an all-rounder. If something goes bad, then I don’t know but my preparations are all about playing as an all-rounder. I am feeling good, feeling strong, and eventually, the time will say what happens,” he added.
It should be reminded that yet another T20 World Cup is set to begin in Australia this year. Pandya is anxious to compete in the event and help the Men in Blue to the victory.
“My main aim is to be at my peak when the World Cup happens. All my training, planning, preparation is keeping the World Cup in mind. I want to win the World Cup for the country. It will make me really happy and proud. It is like an obsession with me,” Hardik concluded.