S Sreesanth said that all-rounder Hardik Pandya could play a similar role for India in the ongoing ICC T20 2024 T20 World Cup campaign, to what Yuvraj Singh did during the Men in Blue’s triumph in the 2011 ODI World Cup. Sreesanth lauded Pandya’s all-rounder abilities as a key factor for the sub-continent team to ensure their long wait for the ICC trophy ends, while highlighting Rohit Sharma’s comments.

After his failure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Hardik has responded to his critics with the bat and ball. He has been a top performer for India.

The all-rounder has taken 8 wickets and scored 116 runs in six contests in the competition.

Speaking to Star Sports, Sreesanth explained why Hardik is important in the remaining games.

“Rohit Sharma said Hardik Pandya is a key player. What Yuvraj Singh did for the team in the 2011 World Cup, I think Hardik is capable of doing that in the ongoing T20 World Cup. I think none of us will be surprised if Rohit lifts the trophy in the West Indies,” Sreesanth said.

Hardik scored an unbeaten 27 off 17 balls in India’s win over Australia on June 24. India will face England in the second semi-final on June 27.