Pakistan legend Wasim Akram feels Hardik Pandya is India’s main weapon in the upcoming World Cup 2023. Pandya has been performing at his best and he is going to hold the key in the ODI showpiece as a seam bowling all-rounder.
Pandya returned with figures of 3-3 in the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday to skittle out the opposition for only 50 runs. The right-arm pacer was able to wipe out the tail as he accounted for Dunith Wellalage, Pramod Madhusan, and Matheesha Pathirana.
Furthermore, Pandya played a crucial knock of 87 runs in the group-stage match against Pakistan in the Asia Cup when the chips were down. Pandya added 138 runs with Ishan Kishan, who scored 82 runs, after India was in a spot of bother at 66-4.
Speaking to Star Sports, Wasim Akram said, “He (Hardik Pandya) is their main weapon in the upcoming World Cup and India are one of the favorite teams to win it. For starters, they are playing at home and we have seen what they can do with the ball.”
On the other hand, Wasim Akram also showered praise on Kuldeep Yadav, who was awarded Player of the Tournament in the Asia Cup for taking nine wickets in five matches at an average of 11.44. Kuldeep has been in superb form in the last couple of years and he is going to hold the key for the Indian team in the upcoming World Cup.
“Kuldeep got wickets as well against the big sides in the Asia Cup. So, it’s a complete side. So, well done to the Indian think tank, which has been supporting these boys and making sure that they have the proper squad before the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, India lifted their eighth Asia Cup title after beating Sri Lanka convincingly by 10 wickets and chased down 51 runs with 263 balls to spare, which is their biggest win in terms of number of balls left.
India will next take on Australia in a three-match ODI series.
