If Hardik Pandya were solely playing as a batsman, his inclusion in the T20 World Cup 2024 squad might be a topic of debate. While he’s renowned as an all-rounder, his batting prowess alone could still make him a contender for the squad, depending on his form and contributions leading up to the tournament.
In the recent three matches for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya’s bowling contribution has been minimal. He bowled just one over against Royal Challengers Bangalore, going for 13 runs, and didn’t bowl at all in the matches against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. This suggests a potential shift in his role towards primarily focusing on his batting abilities.
Harsha Bhogle Gave An Honest Verdict On Hardik Pandya’s Selection For T20 World Cup 2024
The recent change in Hardik Pandya’s bowling involvement for Mumbai Indians has raised eyebrows among the BCCI selectors. Initially, he opened the bowling and bowled 3-4 overs in the first few games, but his bowling presence has significantly reduced in the last three matches. Speculation has arisen, with some questioning if there’s an injury preventing Hardik from taking up bowling duties.
Former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull has expressed a strong belief that an injury may be hindering Hardik Pandya from bowling at full capacity currently. He said:
“You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required,” Doull said on Cricbuzz. “He’s injured. I’m telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it. But there is something wrong with him for sure. That is my gut feeling,” he said.
In light of the circumstances, Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle has posed a million-dollar question: should Hardik Pandya be selected in India’s T20 World Cup squad solely as a batsman? For Harsha, the answer remains negative, as he believes other batsmen in the team excel purely in batting and may be better suited for the role.
“If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 World Cup squad?” Bhogle questioned while speaking on Cricbuzz. “Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling? I’m not totally convinced of that because if he is not bowling and he is not finishing as powerfully, he needs to bat up, where all the competition is.”
