On Hardik Pandya's T20 World Cup Selection Debate, IPL Winning Coach's "Very Rare" Verdict

Tom Moody, the former Australia men's all-rounder, believes Hardik Pandya currently stands head and shoulders above other contenders for the fast-bowling all-rounder slot in the Indian team going to participate in the Men's T20 World Cup next month. Pandya's inclusion, as the deputy to skipper Rohit Sharma in the 15-member India squad came as a surprise to many, considering he has been unable to leave a huge impact with bat and ball while captaining Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024.

But with many players in India not having the skillsets he has; Pandya is now on the verge of playing his fourth T20 World Cup for India when they open their campaign against Ireland at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 5.

"Name me three other people who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing. That's the bottom line. That skill of being a genuine all-rounder who can bat in your top six and potentially bowl four overs for you is very rare in India at the moment. Yes, there are a few others that play domestic cricket and are okay, but not in international cricket, which is a different standard.

"So I think he stands head and shoulders above anyone who is competing for that particular role. I think Ajit Agarkar has recognised that that is the case and we have to give him a longer rope with regards to his recovery, with regards to his form, and everything else, because he is a very precious commodity in this country," said Moody to Star Sports.

S Sreesanth, the former India fast-bowler and a member of the 2007 T20 World Cup winning side, also backed Pandya to come good in the mega event. "We have seen what he can do on the field minus this year's IPL. The way he's been batting and the way he's been bowling, for the