Hardik has got to mature a bit more

Bresnan has not followed the Asia Cup and India's early exit but picked the Rohit Sharma-led side as one of the semifinal contenders alongside Australia, New Zealand, England for the T20 world Cup

Hardik Pandya needs to mature a bit more, feels former English cricketer Tim Bresnan, who expects the India all-rounder to play a significant role in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Besides his exploits with the bat and ball, Pandya has also displayed his leadership skills since coming back from an injury layoff, leading Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title on debut."Definitely, a pace bowling all-rounder is quite crucial, it balances your team, it gives you two cricketers in one," the 37year-old Bresnan, who is representing LNJ Bhilwara Kings in the second edition of Legends League Cricket here, said in an interaction.

Pandya has battled injury in the past and the team think-tank is mindful of his workload management, giving him rest for the upcoming T20I series South Africa.Bresnan remarked that it's 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 allrounders are worth the weight in gold."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, who called it quits after playing for 20 years, added.

"You can't discount India ever... But I think England, Australia and New Zealand probably are the three favourites. But 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 after missing the Asia Cup because of injury-related issues and Bresnan thinks he will hit his straps straightaway.