IPL form giving Hardik Pandya confidence ahead of World Cup

The India allrounder has been taking advice from teammates ahead of the showcase tournament and hopes he can replicate his displays in England from the Champions Trophy

Hardik Pandya hopes to take the confidence he has built during the Indian Premier League into this summer's World Cup.

The India allrounder has starred with the bat during the 2019 competition, averaging 46.50 for the Mumbai Indians.

Pandya produced a match-winning display in the five-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore, hitting 37 from 16 balls to deliver victory at the Wankhede Stadium.

And the 25-year-old endeavours to take that momentum into the showcase tournament - he was included in the 15-man squad selected earlier this week - which starts next month.

"It’s pretty important to have confidence, the World Cup is a big stage and this is the first time I’m playing," he told reporters.

"I was out of the game for some time. Everyone has setbacks and I wanted to improve, I got some time for my body as well. The time I spent out (of the game) is helping me right now because I’m in a good mind space."

GLOBAL GAME

India narrowly missed out of winning the Champions Trophy hosted in England during 2017, reaching the final where they lost to Pakistan at The Oval.

The Gujarat-born player enjoyed a fine tournament, averaging 52.50 with the bat at a strike-rate of 194.44.

"The last time we went to England a lot of people said it would be cold with swinging conditions but when we went there. I’ve never played on flat wickets like that before," Pandya added.

"Depending on the conditions, and if we have the same situation like we did in the Champions Trophy, then it will be helpful."

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