The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-player squad for the 2026 T20 World Cup, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka from February 7. Notably, the selectors also revealed that the same group will play in the five-match home T20I series against New Zealand starting January 21.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead the Indian team for the T20 World Cup, while Axar Patel will take over as the vice-captain after Shubman Gill’s exit. As defending champions of the 2024 edition, India have favored continuity by retaining most of the players who featured in the recent T20I series against Australia and South Africa.
One player who is set to define India’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is Hardik Pandya. This all-rounder will prove to be a match winner for India. His ability to score runs quickly and take wickets at all stages of the game makes him the most decisive weapon in India’s title defence.
Hardik Pandya is set to be a key player for India in the T20 World Cup 2026
Hardik Pandya is expected to be one of the most important players for India in the T20 World Cup 2026. India are likely to back him in every match due to his ability to change the game with both bat and ball.
With the ball, Hardik has taken 101 wickets in 112 innings at an average of 26.92 and an economy rate of 8.29. His ability to bowl at different stages of the innings gives India flexibility, especially in difficult conditions.
With the bat, Hardik has scored 2002 runs in 97 T20I innings at an average of 28.60 and a strike rate of 143.51, which includes seven half-centuries. His rapid scoring in the middle and death overs helped India finish the innings strongly.
Hardik Pandya shines by becoming the match winner against South Africa!
Hardik Pandya played a decisive role in India’s T20 series win against South Africa. In the final match, he helped India score a total of 231/5. He scored 63 runs off just 25 balls and earned the Player of the Match award. Notably, he completed his half-century in just 16 balls.
Earlier in the series, Hardik scored an unbeaten 59 off 28 balls in the opening T20I, helping India recover and move towards a winning position. He scored 142 runs in three innings at a strike rate close to 187 with two half-centuries and also contributed with the ball by taking three wickets.
Overall, the series highlighted Hardik’s value as a match-winner. His ability to finish the innings with explosive hitting and take wickets played a vital role in India winning the series.
Hardik Pandya’s return boosts India’s morale before T20 World Cup
Hardik Pandya has made a strong comeback after recovering from the Asia Cup injury. He looked sharp with the bat, hit the ball cleanly and his bowling showed better pace and rhythm.
His return has strengthened the team massively, giving India additional depth, strength and flexibility. With Pandya back in form, India have acquired a proven match-winner who can make a big impact in the preparations for the T20 World Cup.
In the World Cup, Hardik has scored 357 runs in 24 matches at a strike rate of 142.23, with his highest score being 63. With the ball, he has taken 24 wickets at an average of 21.66. India will expect him to perform well in the biggest moments, especially in the knockout matches.
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