Rohit Sharma has made it clear that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya will carry a big responsibility for India in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, leaving him with no room for error as the tournament is set to kick off on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka.
Hardik Pandya tipped as India’s biggest X-Factor
As India prepares to defend their T20 World Cup title, all eyes are firmly on Hardik Pandya, who is one of the most important and senior players in the squad. His role goes far beyond just being another all-rounder, as he is expected to be the game-changer when it matters the most.
Hardik’s value lies in his ability to handle pressure situations. Whether India is struggling and needs quick runs or is already on top and looking to finish strong, the Baroda star is expected to step in and deliver with the bat.
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At the same time, Hardik Pandya’s seam bowling is expected to give India crucial breakthroughs at any stage of the match, making him a true match-winner in the format. His presence also gives India much-needed balance.
Rohit Sharma puts huge responsibility on Hardik Pandya ahead of ICC T20 World Cup 2026
With Hardik in the side, the team management gets more flexibility in team combinations, allowing them to play an extra batter or bowler depending on conditions. This balance could prove decisive in high-pressure knockout games.
Well, Rohit, who led India to T20 World Cup glory in 2024, sees Hardik as the biggest X-factor in the 2026 campaign as well. With expectations sky-high and the spotlight firmly on him, the former Indian captain stressed that Hardik will be expected to deliver consistently for the team.
Rohit Sharma said on Star Sports, “His (Hardik Pandya) role will be very big and very important because his batting will come at a crucial time when the team is either stuck or in a good situation.”
ROHIT × HARDIK 🇮🇳
– Rohit Sharma talks about the importance of Hardik Pandya in the T20 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/v537XXwJX2
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 20, 2026
No Advice, No Reviews: Rohit Sharma on Kuldeep Yadav before ICC T20 World Cup 2026
Meanwhile, Rohit has refused to give any advice to Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Notably, the Hitman captained Kuldeep for many years and knows him very well. They have shared many moments on the field, including fun arguments and serious talks.
Well, Rohit said that he just wants the wrist-spinner to bowl properly, stay calm, and stop appealing on every delivery. Rohit believes that the captain should take the final call, not the bowler. There is one habit of Kuldeep that has always annoyed Rohit and that is asking for a review almost every time he bowls a ball.
Out of all Indian bowlers, Kuldeep is the one whose review requests Rohit has rejected the most. And even now, with the World Cup just days away, Rohit is not ready to change his mind.
Rohit said, “Koi advice nahi hai bhai sahab ko. Ball daal apna chup chaap. Aur peeche ja (No advice for the gentleman. Just bowl quietly. And please step back. You can’t appeal on every ball.”
Rohit Sharma points out India’s tricky spin dilemma
The former captain also highlighted the challenge of playing Kuldeep and Varun Chakravarthy together in the upcoming tournament.
Rohit signed off by saying, “India’s biggest challenge will be how the management decides to play them together. You can only play them together if you’re only fielding two seamers.”
Rohit Sharma’s exclusive advice to Kuldeep Yadav for the T20 World Cup. 🤣 pic.twitter.com/7Mm2pvzVLF
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 20, 2026
