Former India Test cricketer Varun Aaron has praised Hardik Pandya as one of the best cricketers in the world ahead of India's crucial Super 8 match against Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pandya, coming off a stellar performance against Bangladesh where he scored a rapid half-century, has been in remarkable form throughout the tournament.
Aaron, speaking on Star Sports, highlighted Pandya's mental strength and resilience, emphasising that his success is no accident. Despite a challenging Indian Premier League season filled with criticism, Pandya has bounced back impressively on the international stage.
"Hardik has been down in the dumps before when it comes to his injury and his form. But he has always come back really strong, and he's showing that character again. It's not just a fluke that he's one of the world's best players. He's obviously mentally very, very strong and that's exactly what he's showing in this World Cup with the bat and with the ball," Aaron said on Star Sports.
Pandya's all-round performance against Bangladesh, where he remained unbeaten with a quick 50 off 27 balls and took a crucial wicket, was instrumental in securing India's 50-run victory at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua. His contributions have been pivotal in India's strong showing in the tournament, positioning them favourably for a semi-final berth.
India, currently topping Group 1 with four points from two matches, faces Australia next in a must-win game to secure direct entry into the semi-finals. Australia's recent defeat to Afghanistan has left them in a precarious situation, making the upcoming clash a high-stakes encounter.
Aaron's comments reflect the high regard in which Pandya is held, not just for his cricketing skills but also for his mental fortitude, which has seen him overcome injuries and form slumps to emerge as a key player for India on the global stage.