Hardik Pandya gets support from Mohammad Kaif [Source: @jerseynumber33, @ImRaina/X.com]
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has come out in support of Hardik Pandya after the latter was replaced as India’s T20I format vice-captain by Axar Patel. Kaif acknowledged Pandya’s past heroics for the team and explained his plight.
The past year tested Pandya in every possible way. His comeback to Mumbai Indians was not exactly as planned because the all-rounder came under attack for replacing Rohit Sharma as captain.
However, he redeemed himself by winning the 2024 T20 World Cup for India in a dramatic final. He played a vital role as a vice-captain in that tournament. However, after Rohit Sharma’s retirement, Hardik was snubbed for the captaincy role as Suryakumar Yadav was chosen as his successor.
Mohammad Kaif calls out harsh treatment against Hardik Pandya
Moreover, ahead of the five-game T20I series against England, Hardik Pandya was stripped from the vice-captaincy role as well with Axar Patel taking over as Surya’s deputy.
In his latest YouTube video, Mohammad Kaif came out in defence of Pandya and called out the BCCI for being harsh towards him.
"He scores runs when the team needs it. He takes the wickets when the teams needs it. Hardik Pandya played cameos in every match of the T20 World Cup. He is not the captain right now. Do you think he doesn't feel bad? Isn't he human, and doesn't he feel anything? He is not even the vice-captain of this Indian team," Kaif said.
He recalled how the all-rounder had been a match-winner for India and stepped up when his team needed him the most.
"He is the captain of Mumbai Indians. He won the IPL with Gujarat Titans and then reached the final. But he isn't the captain of the Indian team. Suryakumar Yadav is the captain. Hardik is doing his role to the best of his ability. Hardik Pandya always gives his best. You cannot find anyone with his skill set when he gets injured," he added.
Hardik’s heroism helps India win the series vs England
In a latest display of power-hitting brilliance, Hardik Pandya played an instrumental role in India’s 15-run victory over England in the 4th T20I. After Saqib Mahmood claimed 3 wickets in one over, Pandya and Dube stitched an 87-run partnership. Pandya scored 53 off 30 balls to power India to a strong total of 181. India eventually won the game by 15 runs and sealed the series with a 3-1 lead.