T20 World Cup is not too far: Shane Watson wants Hardik Pandya to step up with bat
IPL 2024: Shane Watson rang the T20 World Cup alarm for Hardik Pandya and wanted him to step up with the bat during MI’s clash against GT. Hardik had a forgetful outing as MI captain as the franchise became the first team to be knocked out of playoffs race.
In Short
- Shane Watson wants Hardik Pandya to step up with the bat ahead of T20 World Cup
- MI will host LSG in their last home fixture of the season on May 17
- MI became the first team to be knocked out of IPL 2024 playoffs race
Former Australian cricketer Shane Watson wanted Hardik Pandya to go all out during MI’s last home game of the season against LSG. Watson rang the T20 World Cup alarm for Hardik to tighten up his shoes and be ready for the challenge. MI will host LSG in their last fixture of the season at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on May 17, Friday. The Hardik-led franchise had a disappointing outing in IPL 2024 as they stand at the bottom of the table with just 4 wins in 13 matches and 9 losses. They also became the 1st team to be knocked out of the playoffs race.
Watson, while speaking on Jio Cinema, acknowledged that Mumbai’s performance has not been up to their standards this season. Watson wanted MI to put up an impressive show for the fans, who are likely to turn out in huge numbers to showcase their support for the team.
IPL 2024 Full Coverage | IPL 2024 Points Table and Standings | 2024 IPL Full Schedule
“They have got so much to play for. They have been very disappointing this season. With the calibre of players that they have got in their unit, in front of their home crowd, they would want to put up a big show for their home fans and me,” Watson said.
A change in guard could not bring in change in fortunes for the 5-time champions as they last lifted the IPL trophy back in 2020. There has also been criticism over the alleged non-compatibility within the franchise.
"HARDIK NEEDS TO EXERT HIS DOMINANCE"
The former Australian cricketer wanted Hardik to step up with the bat and showcase his all-round prowess against LSG, keeping the T20 World Cup in mind.
“I have got this feeling that Hardik Pandya has really got to step up in last game and really exert his dominance. The T20 World Cup is not too far away, and he really has to hit his straps, especially with the bat,” Watson said.
Hardik, who last donned the Indian jersey in October 2023, was named as India’s vice-captain for the upcoming T20 World Cup. The star all-rounder had suffered an ankle injury during India’s match against Bangladesh in Pune on October 19 and made a comeback in IPL 2024.
HARDIK FOR GT VS HARDIK FOR MI
Watson suggested that Hardik has been disappointing with the bat for MI in comparison to his performance for GT in the last 2 years.
“He has been most disappointing with the bat, knowing how good he was with GT, coming in at No. 4. The impact that he provided with the bat, he was coming in with plenty of runs to score and steady the ship. So, for me Hardik Pandya has to be the man to step up,” Watson said.
After his comeback, Hardik had a season to forget, with experts criticising his captaincy, him getting booed by fans and not being able to perform with the bat as well as ball. While batting, Hardik managed only 200 runs in 11 matches with no fifties to his name this season.
He scalped 11 wickets at an economy of 10.59. Meanwhile, for GT, Hardik boasted of a great record with the bat by scoring 833 runs across 2 seasons with 6 fifties to his name.