Last Updated on October 2, 2021 by Umar Khan
Hardik Pandya can be a lethal factor for his team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 that will start from 17th of the current month and will be ended on 14th November 2021. But his selection in the final eleven will be a question mark until he ensures his 100% fitness.
Hardik Pandya’s selection is under immense pressure because due to his back surgery in 2019. The matter looks more threatening as he has missed two matches from Mumbai India, and he did not bowl in the last two games for his side.
Though he missed the initial two games with a bowl, he was part of the team in these two outings, which is a good sign for the Indian team. The coach of Mumbai Indians, Mahela Jayawardena, clearly said the team would not enforce him to bowl as his role as a batsman is a significant factor.
For Hardik Pandya to be selected in the coming ICC T20 World Cup 2021, his fitness level must be high. Otherwise, it will be difficult for selectors to back him in such a mega event.
According to the Cricbuzz report, the Indian coaching staff feels that one-dimensional Pandya could upset the balance of the team. Indian team is a complete team with every resource, but such well-profiled players can’t be justified with just one role.
MSK Prasad, the former chief selector, has said that Pandya’s selection is only possible if he plays as an all-rounder.
“He has regained his batting form, which was good to see the other night (MI vs PBKS). I hope to see him bowl his quota of four overs in the last leg of the IPL and justify his selection in the World Cup squad,” Prasad interviewed Cricbuzz.
Shardul Thakur may be the best possible replacement for the leading Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya. It will be a great loss for the Indian team in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 if he is not selected in the playing eleven.