Rohit Sharma has made it clear that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will play a big responsibility for India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, leaving no room for error as the tournament is scheduled to begin on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Hardik Pandya was described as India’s biggest X-factor
As India prepares to defend their T20 World Cup title, all eyes are on Hardik Pandya, one of the most important and senior players of the team. His role goes far beyond being just another all-rounder, as he is expected to be a game-changer when it matters most.
Hardik’s value lies in his ability to handle pressure situations. Whether India are struggling and need to score runs quickly or are already on top and looking to finish strong, the Baroda star is expected to come forward and perform well with the bat.
Also read: Kuldeep Yadav called India’s weak link in T20 World Cup, Ravichandran Ashwin came to fix his bowling.
Also, Hardik Pandya’s seam bowling is expected to give India significant breakthroughs at any stage of the match, making him a true match-winner in the format. His presence also gives India the much needed balance.
Before the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Rohit Sharma has put a big responsibility on Hardik Pandya.
With Hardik coming into the squad, the team management gets more flexibility in the team combination, allowing them to play an extra batsman or bowler depending on the circumstances. This balance could prove decisive in high-pressure knockout games.
Well, Rohit, who led India to T20 World Cup glory in 2024, sees Hardik as the biggest X-factor in the 2026 campaign as well. With expectations sky high and the spotlight being on him, the former Indian skipper stressed that Hardik will be expected to deliver consistent performances for the team.
“His (Hardik Pandya) role will be very big and very important because his batting will come at crucial times when the team is either stuck or in a good position,” Rohit Sharma said on Star Sports.
Rohit × Hardik
– Rohit Sharma talked about the importance of Hardik Pandya in the T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/v537XXwJX2
– Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) 20 January 2026
No advice, no review: 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, Hitman captained Kuldeep for many years and knows him very well. They have shared many moments on the field, including funny debates and serious conversations.
Well, Rohit said that he just wants the wrist spinner to bowl properly, stay calm and stop appealing on every ball. Rohit believes that the final decision should not be taken by the bowler but by the captain. Kuldeep has a habit which always irritates Rohit and that is asking for review whenever he bowls the ball.
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Of all the Indian bowlers, Kuldeep is the bowler whose review requests have been rejected the most by Rohit. And even now, with the World Cup just a few days away, Rohit is not ready to change his mind.
Rohit said, “No advice to Bhai Saheb. Bowl the ball quietly and go back.”
Rohit Sharma points to India’s difficult spin dilemma
The former captain also highlighted the challenge of playing Kuldeep and Varun Chakraborty together in the upcoming tournament.
“India’s biggest challenge will be how the management decides to play them together. You can play them together only when you are fielding only two seamers,” Rohit said.
Rohit Sharma’s special advice to Kuldeep Yadav for T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/7Mm2pvzVLF
– Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) 20 January 2026
