T20 World Cup 2022: India will open their World Cup tournament with a match against Pakistan on October 23 (Sunday). This match will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The odds of this match suggest that both teams have equal chances of winning this game, but whoever plays the better cricket on that day will win.
Both teams have got some match-winners in their side, and it will only come down to the performance on the day. The former Indian skipper, Virat Kohli’s, comeback into form has certainly strengthened the Indian batting. On the other hand, the return of Shaheen Afridi has made Pakistan’s bowling more lethal.
However, there are still a few players to watch out for in the ongoing T20 World Cup for both teams that might help their team to succeed. Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has also made a bold statement in this regard and picked a player who has the capability to win the World Cup for his team on his own.
T20 World Cup 2022: Shane Watson names an Indian star, who can win world cup for his team
Watson reckons that star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has got the “X-factor” that can help his team win the T20 World Cup. The former Australian all-rounder also feels that Hardik gives India the perfect balance. Notably, Hardik has been in fantastic touch since his comeback to the side. He has done a really good job in both departments and also led India in three T20Is against Ireland and West Indies.
In a discussion with the Times of India, Watson said, “The way Hardik is paced up at 140s is amazing. He’s just got great skill and he’s got great ability to take wickets and also defend runs. His batting just continues to go through the roof. He’s not just a finisher, he’s a power hitter too. He’s got all the skills. We’ve seen him in the last IPL. He can win the T20 World Cup on his own. He is truly a match-winner.”
Since his return to the team, the Indian all-rounder led Gujarat Titans to win the IPL title in their maiden season. For India, he has scored 436 runs in 18 innings at an excellent strike rate of 151.28 and also picked up 12 wickets in 17 innings with the ball in hand.