Hardik Pandya, India’s all-rounder, and his fitness has been the focus of attention in the lead-up to the team’s second T20 World Cup match, with several experts doubting his selection for the tournament and inclusion in the starting XI.
Since the home series against England, Hardik hasn’t bowled in a T20 game. He did not bowl for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021, nor for India in the two T20 World Cup warm-up games or the Pakistan game. This cast doubt on his fitness and, as a result, his selection for the World Cup squad.
Despite not having an impactful 2021 with the bat, Aakash believes Hardik will retain his spot in the XI for the New Zealand game on October 31, and that Ishan will have to wait for his chance.
“This narrative is bound to continue. When you look at Hardik Pandya and see he is not bowling you are bound to feel whether he actually fits into the team. The question isn’t wrong. In 2021 he hasn’t scored many runs and also missed a few games as well. But I will consider his performance against Pakistan. How can you judge a class player like Hardik based on just eight balls? But it’s a fact that he hasn’t made an impact with the bat this year. And when he is not bowling, India completely go out of balance because you only have five bowling options then. But Ishan in place of Hardik? No. Because if he does replace Hardik, he will have to open for India alongside Rohit. Then Rahul at No.4, Pant at No.5 and Suryakumar at No.6? Does it really make sense? If one defeat leads to such a big change then it only shows that we do not believe our selection process. Ishan’s inclusion will completely change India’s selection philosophy. India can although, make changes in their bowling attack. I feel India should continue with Hardik for the New Zealand game and Ishan will have to wait for his opportunity,” he said on his YouTube channel.
However, Hardik was seen bowling at India’s training session at the ICC Academy on Wednesday, and is expected to deliver at least two overs in the critical match against New Zealand.