BRESNAN: MATURE PANDYA WILL BE A TOP PLAYER

HARDIK PANDYA needs to mature a bit more, feels former England allrounder Tim Bresnan , who expects the India star to play a significant role in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Besides his exploits with the bat and ball, Pandya (left) has also displayed his leadership skills since coming

back from an injury layoff, leading Gujarat Titans to the Indian Premier League 2022 title on his debut as captain of a team.

“Definitely a pace bowling allrounder is quite crucial. It balances your team, gives you two cricketers in one,” said Bresnan, 37, who is representing LNJ Bhilwara Kings in the second edition of the Legends League Cricket tournament.

Pandya has battled injury in the past, and the team is mindful of his workload management, resting him for the upcoming T20I series against

South Africa. Bresnan said it was because of the demanding nature of his position.

“It’s a tough position to play because you are always involved in the game, so it’s quite demanding physically. Fast bowling all-rounders are worth the weight in gold,” he said.

“Hardik is really good on the field as well, he’s a very good athlete. He’s got to mature a bit more, then he is going to be a top, top player.”

Bresnan picked the Rohit Sharmaled side as one of the semi-final contenders alongside Australia, New Zealand, and England for the World Cup, which begins in October. “You can’t discount India ever. But I think England, Australia and New Zealand probably are the three favourites. India and Pakistan have the same chance and Sri Lanka have done really well in the Asia Cup, so you never know, whoever brings on the day.”

Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is also back for India’s T20I series against Australia after missing the Asia Cup because of injury-related issues, and Bresnan thinks he will hit his straps straightaway.

“He’s got genuine pace, he’s got too much quality to be rusty. He is too professional. I think he would be fine for the World Cup,” he said.

As for England, the Jos Buttler-led side will not have opener Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow, but Bresnan believed they are a well-balanced side.

“We have got a really good batting lineup. If we can keep the seamers fit that will be key for the English team. We’ve got all departments covered.”