'Because of this, they topped the group': Harbhajan Singh points out two big positives in Team India

Harbhajan Singh, speaking on 'Star Sports', highlighted two major positives for Team India in their T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, leading to their triumph in Group A. India advanced to the Super Eight stage after going undefeated in their group league matches. Rohit Sharma and his team secured victories against Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA, while their final league game against Canada was called off due to a wet outfield in Florida.

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Harbhajan Singh highlights two big positives from India's campaign

Harbhajan highlighted Hardik Pandya's impressive bowling performance and Rishabh Pant's successful stint at the number three position as some of the biggest positives of the campaign so far.

"The biggest positive is that Hardik Pandya took the wicket. He was the fourth bowler in this tournament. But if you look at his wicket tally, he has done much better than what was expected of him," Harbhajan Singh said.

Hardik Pandya, who entered the T20 World Cup after a challenging IPL 2024 season, has exceeded expectations by taking seven wickets, silencing any concerns about his fitness. His full-throttle performances have been a significant boost for the team.

According to Harbhajan Singh, another highlight has been the remarkable return of Rishabh Pant. After recovering from a life-threatening car accident in 2022, Pant has been in fine form, boasting a strike rate of 124.67. Harbhajan praised Pant's adaptability and his new role at number three in the batting order. 

"Along with him, Rishabh Pant played at number 3. His role was completely changed. Before this World Cup, we were saying that Sanju Samson will play in the team because he has made big runs. To make Rishabh Pant play at number three is a big positive. The Left-Right combination is formed when Rishabh Pant plays at number three," he added.

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Looking ahead to their Super Eight campaign opener against Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados, Harbhajan Singh expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to new conditions, having played their previous matches in the USA. 

"There are a lot of positives. Of course, there are challenges and difficulties. But the challenges come in front of those who are brave. This team is a team of brave players. They fought well and played very well. Because of this, they topped the group," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)