Rahul Dravid faces a challenging task as he navigates the complexities of managing star players Hardik Pandya and Rohit Sharma ahead of the T20 World Cup. The dynamics between the two players came under scrutiny following a reported rift during their time at Mumbai Indians, resulting in a disappointing finish for the team in the IPL 2024 season.

With the upcoming T20 World Cup on the horizon, Dravid must foster unity and cohesion within the Indian team, particularly in light of the recent discord. As former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan advises, the focus should be on instilling confidence in Hardik’s role and significance within the squad, steering clear of revisiting past tensions from the IPL.

Pathan emphasizes the importance of emphasizing Hardik’s value as a match-winner for India and underscoring his pivotal role as an all-rounder in the team. With a limited number of specialist bowlers in the squad, Hardik’s contributions with the ball will be crucial, enabling strategic flexibility in team selection for specific match scenarios.

Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup, Dravid’s approach in managing the relationship between Rohit and Hardik will be pivotal in fostering a harmonious team environment conducive to success on the global stage. By focusing on building trust and belief in Hardik’s abilities, Dravid aims to cultivate a positive mindset and performance-oriented outlook within the Indian squad.