Hardik Pandya: The indispensable asset in India's Champions Trophy squad
What's the story
Hardik Pandya's ouster from the Indian team midway through the 2023 ODI World Cup (ankle injury) forced a major change in the team strategy.
His first-change pacer role was assumed by Mohammed Shami, who was phenomenal with 24 wickets.
But it also meant less batting depth and the Indian fans missed his presence in the final against Australia.
The all-rounder is now gearing up to shine in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Comeback
Pandya's performance in the England sereies
Pandya recently featured in India's 3-0 ODI series win against England.
Though he could not contribute much with the bat, he claimed three wickets in the series.
The all-rounder hence won't be short of match practice heading into the mega event.
Notably, this will be his second CT campaign, having featured in the 2017 edition.
Redemption
Pandya's rise as an all-rounder
Pandya's 2024 redemption arc witnessed him as a confident all-rounder for India.
He displayed his skill in both batting and bowling departments, especially with deliveries on the wide tramline outside off-stump.
His mastery of variations in this channel was key to India's T20 World Cup final comeback last year.
The fact that he is also destructive with the bat makes him an 'MVP' for the Indian team.
Performance
Pandya's fireworks vs Pakistan in 2017 CT final
Pandya made his CT debut in the 2017 edition and fared decently. He smashed Pakistan's Imad Wasim for a hat-trick of sixes in India's opener against Pakistan.
The Men in Blue again met Pakistan in the final and suffered a shocking 180-run defeat.
The margin of Pakistan's victory would have been even higher had Hardik Pandya not scored a fiery 43-ball 76.
He single-handedly took on the bowlers and played some stunning shots.
Information
His numbers in 2017 CT
As per ESPNcricinfo, Pandya's 105 runs in the 2017 competition came at a strike rate of 194.44. He also claimed four wickets across five games at an economy of 5.97. The tournament was his first major ICC ODI event.
Stats
How has Pandya fared in ODI cricket?
The all-rounder has amassed 1,805 runs across 89 ODIs (64 innings) at an average of 33.42.
Additionally, he also owns 11 fifties alongside his highest score of 92* (vs Australia).
Meanwhile, with the ball, he has managed to pick up 87 wickets at an average of 35.49 (ER: 5.59).
Additionally, he also owns one four-wicket haul (best bowling innings: 4/24).