Hardik Pandya ‘the all-rounder’, has become a topic of debate in the last few months. Hardik has been playing as a pure batter in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He also did not bowl for his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise Mumbai Indians in the recently-concluded 2021 season. In the first match against Pakistan, Hardik came out to bat at number seven and could only score 11 runs in 8 balls.
As per a report in the Times of India, it has been learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors wanted to send Hardik back home from the IPL in the UAE. But MS Dhoni, India’s mentor for the T20 World Cup 2021, vouched for his finishing skills to ensure his stay in the team for the showpiece event.
“The truth is that the selectors wanted to send him back to India after he didn’t bowl in the IPL, but MS Dhoni (appointed Team India mentor) vouched for his finishing skills,” TOI quoted a source as saying.
“The whole mystery around his fitness has been going on for the last six months. You’re now saying that he has a shoulder injury. In the bargain, you aren’t giving a chance to a fit guy. You’re playing an unfit guy who isn’t useful to the team. It’s not right. Because of him, you’re neglecting other fit guys who have been performing well,” he further added.
I will start bowling when the tournament gets towards the knock-out stages: Hardik Pandya
During the conversation with Naseer Hussain before the Pakistan clash, Hardik said that he will start bowling when the tournament gets towards the knock-out stages. India has Shardul Thakur as a possible replacement option for Hardik in case the all-rounder doesn’t play on Sunday.
“I don’t like to get too hyped by the situation, and my family makes sure of that too. I stay away from social media because you do get excited and get the vibes. It’s simple, and we leave emotions out of the way, and keep things professional. We make sure we tick the right boxes and do the processes right.”
Virat Kohli-led India will lock horns with Kane Williamson-led New Zealand on Sunday, October 31.