The 2023 Cricket World Cup holds considerable promise, as former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has thrown his weight behind the Indian star to assume a role reminiscent of the all-round brilliance demonstrated by Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina in the 2011 World Cup.
However, the pressing concern for the Indian team lies in the dearth of all-rounders, which has led to a lack of batting depth and limited bowling options. A prevailing theme in India’s triumphant 1983 and 2011 World Cup campaigns was the presence of dynamic all-rounders.
The 2011 victory was propelled by Yuvraj Singh’s exceptional performance, earning him the Player of the Tournament title. Yuvraj’s contribution extended beyond his batting prowess; he consistently bowled 10 overs per match, amassing 15 crucial wickets throughout the tournament.
And, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has shown confidence in the 29-year-old Hardik Pandya to fill the roles that Raina and Yuvraj excelled in during the 2011 campaign. However, Manjrekar cautioned the Indian team about Pandya’s recent form, particularly expressing concern about his bowling performance.
“Hardik Pandya’s bowling is very important” – Sanjay Manjrekar
He said: “Hardik Pandya’s form is a little bit of concern, his bowling, because you will have to do a lot of physical work in the World Cup because you need him as an all-rounder not just a batter so at least 6-7 over per innings is what is expected from him. When India won the world in 2011, it was because of people like Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh pure batters who bowled a bit, so Hardik Pandya’s bowling is very important”.
He further added: “I think most issues seem to address that the batter is in pretty good form. India of course have to ponder on the Suryakumar Yadav case because 50 overs cricket is not quite making the same impact but he will be such a big temptation on a big stage when he walks in with just 15-17 overs left in the innings, can be a game changer. So that is an issue India need to sort of finalise whether they want , Suryakumar Yadav, so that is one loose and they need to tie.”
Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized the significance of Pandya’s role as both a batter and an all-rounder who can deliver 6-7 overs per innings, echoing the vital contributions Raina and Yuvraj made to the team’s success in 2011. In regard to the selection of Suryakumar Yadav, Manjrekar voiced support for the decision despite Yadav’s less impressive record in One Day Internationals (ODIs).
Manjrekar lauded Yadav as a game-changer, particularly during the final 15-17 overs of an innings. While acknowledging the challenges of Yadav’s impact in 50-over cricket, Manjrekar emphasized the temptation of Yadav’s potential to turn the tide of a match on a grand stage.
Concluding his insights, Manjrekar also urged the Indian team to deliberate and make a final decision about the inclusion of Suryakumar Yadav. While acknowledging the loose ends that need to be addressed, he underlined Yadav’s potential to significantly alter the outcome of matches during critical phases, thereby underscoring the need for the Indian team to carefully evaluate their strategy moving forward.
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