"Bit Calmer Now And More Confident": Rohit Sharma On Hardik Pandya

29.08.2022 - 08:37 sports.ndtv.com

India captain Rohit Sharma feels Hardik Pandya has returned with a better understanding of his game and is more confident about what he wants to do with both bat and ball.

Hardik put up an all-round effort to help India register a five-wicket win over arch-rivals Pakistan in their Asia Cup opener on Sunday.

With the ball he snared three wickets, including that of the dangerous Mohammad Rizwan, before dazzling with a 17-ball unbeaten 33, showing his high value under extreme pressure.

For Rohit, Hardik is a man, who now knows what he needs to do in specific situations. "Since the time he (Hardik) has made his comeback, he's been brilliant.

cricket India Cricket Team 2022 on Babar Azam Rohit Sharma India Pakistan

The Indian squad for the ICC T20 World Cup was announced on Monday and there wasn't any major surprise in the selection. There has been a lot of talk about the way India should bat when setting a target and several former players have been expressing their views on India's batting order. The latest to join the bandwagon is former India opener Wasim Jaffer.

Watch: Virat Kohli Interviewed By Rohit Sharma After His 71st International Century

India captain Rohit Sharma opted to rest in their final Asia Cup Super 4 match against Afghanistan, but Virat Kohli, opening the batting in his absence, smashed his 71st international century and his first in T20Is. Kohli went on to hit an unbeaten 122 off 61 deliveries as India romped to a 101-run win in Dubai. After the match, Kohli was interviewed by Rohit and he opened up about his innings and finally ending a century drought that lasted nearly three years.

Space that you gave made me feel relaxed, I was earlier deviating from my game: Virat Kohli tells Rohit Sharma

Virat Kohli is all praise for skipper Rohit Sharma for the kind of "communication" he has had with him which has helped him stay relaxed and return to his "original template". Kohli finally got his 71st international hundred in the inconsequential final Super 4 Asia Cup game against Afghanistan and the BCCI.TV had the current and former captain engaged in some serious chat and occasional banter after the game. "We will learn from these Super 4 games (Pakistan and Sri Lanka) as to where we have gone wrong. There was clear communication from the management. The space that you gave me made me feel relaxed. So when I came back (after break), I was excited about what I could contribute to team," Kohli told his "interviewer" Rohit.

Watch: Virat Kohli Interviewed By Rohit Sharma After His 71st International Century

Why Is Rohit Sharma Not Leading India vs Afghanistan? Stand-In Skipper KL Rahul Answers

There was surprise in store for the fans at the toss of the India-Afghanistan Asia Cup match as full-time captain Rohit Sharma did not come out for the toss. Instead, KL Rahul came out as the stand-in India captain. India are already out of the contention for the final. When asked about the reason behind Rohit not coming out for the toss, Rahul said: "Rohit just wants to take a break considering the tough conditions here, and the World Cup ahead."

India's Predicted XI vs Afghanistan: Will Rohit Sharma's Side Go For Major Changes?

India are out of the race for a final spot in the Asia Cup. While that will be a dampener going into their final Super 4 match against Afghanistan on Thursday, it also opens up a possibility for experimentation. India's top-order has not been consistent while the bowling has also been shaky. With the T20 World Cup in less than two months' time, India may have to rethink their strategy going forward. With nothing to lose in the match against Afghanistan, it might be the right time for India to set their house in order.