"On National Duty" - Hardik Pandya joins Team India in New York ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup

Indian vide-captain Hardik Pandya has joined the rest of the team members in New York ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup, which starts on Saturday, June 1. The 30-year-old took to his official Instagram handle and posted pictures of him training along with the whole Indian squad.

The ace all-rounder was a notable name missing from the first batch of Indian team players and support staff who departed for New York on Saturday, May 25, from Mumbai.

"On National Duty," Hardik's caption read.

Hardik Pandya will be hoping to bounce back stronger upon donning the Indian jersey

Hardik Pandya had a forgettable outing at the IPL 2024 both on and off the field. From getting booed by the crowd to being criticized for his poor form throughout the season, nothing went well for the Mumbai Indians captain in IPL 2024.

Adding to the woes, after having replaced a highly successful Rohit Sharma as the skipper of the franchise, he couldn't replicate the success of his past two IPL seasons as a leader for Gujarat Titans (GT). With just four wins out of the 14 matches they played, the five-time IPL winners finished last among 10 teams in the standings.

Nevertheless, one bad IPL campaign could never define his credentials as a player. Hardik has always given his best whenever he has donned the prestigious jersey of Team India. He is a perfect T20 commodity and a proven match-winner, given his power-hitting and wicket-taking abilities.

In IPL 2024, he looked comfortable while bowling and picked up 11 wickets. It will be a major boost for India at the 2024 T20 World Cup if Hardik Pandya can completely unleash his all-round potential.

Rohit Sharma and company will begin their campaign against Ireland on Wednesday at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on June 5. India are placed in Group A alongside arch-rivals Pakistan, co-hosts USA, Ireland, and Canada.