All-rounder Hardik Pandya will be an impact player for India in the T20 World Cup, India Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane said on Friday, urging the side to rally around the injury-ravaged cricketer whose role as a bowler is uncertain due to fitness issues.

There has been a lot of debate regarding Pandya’s inclusion in the squad as he did not bowl in the IPL. The team management has, time and again, stressed on the importance of his bowling to the side’s overall balance.

“We need to support him. When a player comes back from an injury, we don’t know what situation he goes through. It is easy to talk from outside,” said Rahane said on Sports Tak. “He has won India many matches in this format with some impactful performances. There will always be outside news, who should play and who shouldn’t. Hardik’s role is very crucial and we need to back him.”

Rahane also feels that his IPL team Delhi Capitals’ captain Rishabh Pant would be a “game-changer” for India.

“He is such a batsman who can change the complexion of the game immediately. We have seen his ability in Australia in Tests, also against England, he scored runs. He has improved his game immensely. He now knows how to take his game one notch above.”