Hardik Pandya tipped as India’s biggest X-Factor
As India prepare to defend their T20 World Cup title, all eyes are on Hardik Pandya, one of the most important and senior players in the squad. His role goes far beyond just being an all-rounder; he is expected to be the game changer when it matters most.
Hardik’s value lies in his ability to handle pressure situations. Whether India are struggling and need quick runs or are already at the top and want to finish strong, the Baroda star is expected to step in and perform with the bat.
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Also read: Kuldeep Yadav declared India’s weak link in T20 World Cup as Ravichandran Ashwin steps in to fix his bowling
At the same time, Hardik Pandya’s seam bowling is expected to provide India with crucial breakthroughs at every stage of the match, making him a real match-winner in this format. His presence also gives India the much-needed balance.
Rohit Sharma puts huge responsibility on Hardik Pandya ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
With Hardik in the team, the team management will have more flexibility in team combinations, allowing them to deploy an extra batsman or bowler depending on the circumstances. This balance could be decisive in high-pressure knockout matches.
Well, Rohit, who led India to T20 World Cup glory in 2024, also sees Hardik as the biggest
Speaking on Star Sports, Rohit Sharma said, “His (Hardik Pandya) role will be very big and very important because his batting will come at a crucial time when the team is stuck or in a good situation.”
ROHIT × HARDIK 🇮🇳
– Rohit Sharma talks about Hardik Pandya’s importance in the T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/v537XXwJX2
– Johannes. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 20, 2026
No advice, no reviews: Rohit Sharma on Kuldeep Yadav ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Meanwhile, Rohit has refused to give any advice to Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the Hitman captained Kuldeep for many years and knows him very well. They have shared many moments on the field, including fun arguments and serious conversations.
Well, Rohit said he just wants the wrist spinner to bowl well, stay calm and stop appealing every delivery. Rohit believes that the captain should make the final decision and not the bowler. There is one habit of Kuldeep that has always irritated Rohit and that is that he asks for a review almost every time he bowls a ball.
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Of all the Indian bowlers, Kuldeep is the one whose review requests Rohit has rejected the most. And even now, with the World Cup just a few days away, Rohit is not ready to change his mind.
Rohit said, “No advice is given to brother. Bowl ball calmly. Aur peeche yes (No advice for sir. Just bowl calmly. And please stand back. You can’t appeal on every ball.”)
Rohit Sharma points out India’s tricky spin dilemma
The former captain also highlighted the challenge of playing Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy together in the upcoming tournament.
Rohit concluded by saying, “India’s biggest challenge will be how the management decides to play them together. You can only play them together if you field just two players.”
Rohit Sharma’s exclusive advice to Kuldeep Yadav ahead of the T20 World Cup. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/7Mm2pvzVLF
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 20, 2026
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