"If Something Happens To Rohit Sharma...": Pragyan Ojha wants Hardik Pandya to step up if anything happens to the Indian Captain

BCCI announced the T20 World Cup squad at the BCCI headquarters on Thursday. The Indian Cricket Team will head into the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 under the leadership of Rohit Sharma. Hardik Pandya has been named vice-captain of the side. Team India will face Ireland in the first group-stage game on 5th June 2024. Pandya's struggles in the 2024 IPL with bat and ball have not come in the way of him being selected for the team as the team is also retaining him as the vice-captain. 

Hardik is the only seam-bowling all-rounder option with Team India. But, he has failed to perform this season in the IPL and the injuries have been a major part of his career. The MI captain has scored only 197 runs in 10 matches at a poor average of 24.62. His strike rate is also questionable for a batter who bats in the death overs. Former Indian spinner Pragyan Ojha wants Hardik to step up and play the "true leader" role.

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Pragyan Ojha wants Hardik Pandya to step up for India in the T20 World Cup 2024 

Hardik last played for Team India in October 2023 in the ODI World Cup. He then sustained an injury but fully recovered and was named captain of the five-time champions Mumbai Indians, replacing the most successful captain, Rohit. He has claimed only six wickets at an economy rate of 11.0.

Although, Ojha has faith in Hardik's leadership skills and all-round abilities. He thinks Hardik's inclusion in the Indian setup will provide balance to the team. India doesn't have a seam all-rounder that's why Hardik's spot was already secured.

"I expect him to play like a leader because he is next in command. If something happens to Rohit, we don't want that if anything happen, he will be leading the side, so he has to be prepared, he has to take that responsibility when he is batting," Ojha said to Jio Cinema.

"He will create that balance for the side. Whenever we talk about Indian team selection, Hardik's name always comes in. He creates that balance, he will give you that cushion. You can have an extra batter or a bowler, wherever he is needed. We want him to be mentally ready for the World Cup and forget what is happening in the IPL. He needs to focus on the World Cup, that is more important," Ojha added.

Mumbai Indians are sitting at the bottom of the points table with just three wins in ten games, Hardik has faced lots of criticism and his captaincy has come under scrutiny many times. The crowds across venues booed him and was also criticized by the experts for making foolish decisions.