Eoin Morgan, England’s World Cup-winning captain, emphasizes that a fit Hardik Pandya significantly bolsters India’s chances in the upcoming ODI World Cup. Morgan noted Pandya’s fitness level and his ability to contribute with the ball, highlighting that having a top-order batsman who can also bowl is a rarity in the tournament.
Morgan draws parallels with the role played by Ben Stokes for England over the years and mentions that Australia has players like Stoinis and Cameron Green who fulfill similar roles. However, having a fit Hardik Pandya provides a genuine balance to the side, especially considering the varying pitch conditions throughout the World Cup.
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Former New Zealand seamer Simon Doull concurs with Morgan’s assessment, emphasizing Pandya’s importance. He also mentions the presence of quality all-rounders like Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja in the Indian squad. However, Doull raises the question of whether India can effectively utilize all their talents and play the style of cricket required to win a World Cup.
Regarding India’s home advantage, Morgan acknowledges that playing in familiar conditions provides a significant edge. He recalls India’s previous tour and how coach Rahul Dravid emphasized playing fearless cricket. Morgan suggests that despite the comfort of home conditions, it’s crucial for Captain Rohit Sharma and Coach Rahul Dravid to block out distractions and maintain focus on the task at hand.