Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid, and Ajit Agarkar reportedly engaged in a lengthy two-hour discussion regarding the inclusion of Hardik Pandya in India’s T20 World Cup squad. The trio deliberated on Pandya’s suitability for the team, considering factors such as his form, fitness, and potential impact. The meeting aimed to thoroughly assess Pandya’s role and contribution to the squad ahead of the upcoming tournament.
Fate of Hardik Pandya in T20 World Cup in discussion
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During a two-hour meeting amid the IPL 2024 season, the primary focus was on Hardik Pandya’s position in India’s World Cup squad. With the selectors yet to finalize the squad for the tournament in the USA and West Indies, the Indian team management is particularly concerned about Pandya’s bowling fitness.
The Mumbai Indians captain is facing significant pressure both on and off the field, performing below expectations in this season’s IPL. Hardik Pandya has managed only 131 runs across six matches so far.
Apart from his explosive innings against RCB, where he scored 21* off just 6 balls, there have been doubts about his batting approach during the middle overs. In those phases, he has struggled to maintain the desired strike rate.
Rohit, Dravid, and Agarkar’s primary worries revolve around Hardik Pandya’s bowling capabilities. While several players in the current Indian squad can fulfill Pandya’s role as a batter in T20s, not many can do so while reliably delivering four overs as the third seamer. This is where Pandya’s distinctiveness lies, as he brings balance to the team lineup.
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Downfall of Hardik Pandya’s bowling
However, Pandya’s bowling performance this season has been disappointing. He has struggled with consistency and clarity, and notably, he has completed his full quota of overs only twice in six matches – in MI’s opening two matches against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
He refrained from bowling any overs against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals. Against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he only bowled one over. In the last match against Chennai Super Kings, Pandya bowled three overs, but MS Dhoni hit him for three consecutive sixes in the final over.
In IPL 2024, Pandya has bowled 11 overs, claiming just three wickets while conceding runs at a rate of 12 per over. Although there are no apparent fitness issues affecting his bowling, his form remains a significant concern.