T20 World Cup: One X-Factor player from each team

4. Hardik Pandya (India) 

The Caribbean by heart due to his nature on the field and clearing the ropes consistently without breaking much sweat, Hardik Pandya is one asset that Indian cricket has to preserve and nurture in the years to come. He is the best fast bowling all-rounder in India at the moment – a skill set that is rare to find in the craziest cricketing nation. 

He has played 49 matches and scored 484 runs at an average of 19.36 and a strike rate of 145.35. He has also contributed with the ball, taking 42 wickets at a bowling economy of 8.18 runs per over.  Though his international records don’t speak for the talent he possesses, he has wreaked havoc on bowlers in the IPL as well in ODIs. He also bowls the back of the length slow cutters during the middle overs which are very difficult for a batsman to take on and is probably the most athletic Indian on the field at the moment. 

The biggest reason why he is instrumental to the balance of the team is the drastic difference in the skill level brought to the table by his competition. Post the Koffee with Karan controversy, he has become more mature as a player which is a great sign for the balance of the Indian team. If he keeps himself fit, Hardik Pandya may end up being one of the best all-rounders India has ever produced.