Former Indian fast bowler Laxmipathy Balaji believes Hardik Pandya will be crucial for India to qualify for T20 World Cup knockout stage. Pandya will provide the balance as he can deliver with both bat and ball in the T20I showpiece.

The right-hander scored an impressive knock of 40 runs off 23 balls in the warm-up match against Bangladesh at New York on Saturday. Pandya added the finishing touches to help India post 182 runs on the board as he scored two fours and four sixes. Furthermore, he dismissed Bangladesh’s opener Tanzid Hasan but conceded 30 runs in the three overs he bowled.

Meanwhile, Pandya scored 216 runs in 13 innings at an average of 18 and picked 11 wickets at a high economy rate of 10.75 in IPL 2024 while leading Mumbai Indians. Thus, Pandya didn’t have a great run in the tournament but he will be determined to prove his mettle in the T20 World Cup.

“It’s very important. Hardik plays a very important role when it comes to the Indian team progressing to the knockout stage. If he comes good, there will be so much balance in the side, both with the bat and ball. Especially with the bat down the order, he will give you flexibility to choose your batters upfront,” Balaji told Star Sports.

Balaji added that Pandya will hold the key with the ball as he is expected to bowl at both end of the innings.

“At the same time, he may get a go with the new ball also in the powerplay and more likely in the death overs. Hardik’s form is very crucial and he showed today that he is capable of hitting sixes. It was great to see him settling in New York,” Balaji added.

India will begin their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on June 5th.