'India won 2011 World Cup because of Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh' - Sanjay Manjrekar worried with Hardik Pandya's form ahead of ODI World Cup

Hardik Pandya was the cynosure of all eyes during India's three-match ODI series and subsequent five-match T20I series against the West Indies. He could only manage a solitary half-century in the ODI series alongside two single-digit scores. In the T20Is, he scored 77 runs in four innings. On the bowling front, Hardik managed to take only one wicket in the ODI series, while he fared better in the T20Is, finishing with four wickets.

Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his concern regarding Hardik's dismal bowling form as he felt that the all-rounder would have to play a crucial role for India to do well at the upcoming ODI World Cup in October-November. Manjrekar pointed out that the 'Men in Blue' won the 2011 World Cup thanks to the all-round efforts of Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina and felt that Hardik would have to play a similar role if India hopes to end their drought in ICC events.

“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 the 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 Cup 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,” Manjrekar said on an episode of "Follow the Blues" on Star Sports.

Hardik Pandya will hope to make amends in Asia Cup

The spotlight will be on Hardik Pandya when India take part in the upcoming Asia Cup which begins on August 30. Rohit Sharma and Co. are placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan and debutants Nepal.

If Hardik can get his mojo back during the six-team tournament, Indian fans will breathe a huge sigh of relief with the ODI World Cup set to begin in less than two months' time.