T20 World Cup 2022: "He can win the T20 World Cup on his own" - Shane Watson lavishes praise on Hardik Pandya

The former Australian cricketer Shane Watson praised the Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and claimed he could win this single-handedly for his team. Hardik Pandya is with the Indian cricket team in Australia for the ongoing ICC mega event, T20 World Cup 2022.

In the first match against Pakistan in the Super 12 where Virat Kohli dominated the Pakistani bowlers and helped his side to defeat their arch-rivals with an unbeaten 82 off just 53 balls.

His priceless innings consist of 6 fours and 4 sixes and one of the best came when he smashed back-to-back sixes in Haris Rauf's spell during the 19th over of the game.

However, Hardik Pandya also played a crucial role during the nail-biting encounter as he plucked 3 wickets and also scored 40 runs with the help of one four and 2 sixes. But the Player of the Match award was received by the former Indian skipper who fought hard till the end of the game.

He is truly a match-winner: Shane Watson

After witnessing Hardik Pandya's contribution with both the bat and the ball, the former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has expressed his feelings during an interaction with Times of India.

"Hardik Pandya is a talented cricketer. When he's bowling, the way he is paced up at 140s is amazing. He's just got great skill and he's got a great ability to take wickets and also defend runs. His batting just continues to go through the roof," said Shane Watson. 

"He's not just a finisher, he's a power hitter too. He's got all the skills. We have seen him in the last IPL. He can win the T20 World Cup on his own. He is truly a match-winner," the former Australian cricketer added.

Moreover, Shane Watson also shared a few words about the former Indian skipper Virat Kohli who played a vital role in the high pressure when others failed to contribute with the bat.

"Virat is batting very nicely right now. The way he played against Australia alone, a couple of those innings, and the way he batted, he was at his best. Some of those shots that he played were amazing," said the 41-year-old.

"Virat is batting at his absolute best. He definitely needed a break just to be able to re-energize his batteries. And you can see the way he has made a comeback into the Indian team. The way he's batting, he's going to play a key role for India in the T20 World Cup," he further added.