NEW DELHI: Renowned cricket commentator
Harsha Bhogle
has sparked debate over the inclusion of India all-rounder
Hardik Pandya
in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in June.
Bhogle's comments come in light of Pandya's recent struggles with fitness and his limited bowling contribution in the IPL 2024 season.
Pandya, who captains the Mumbai Indians in this year's IPL, made a comeback to cricket after a five-month hiatus due to an ankle injury sustained during the ODI World Cup last year.
While Pandya initially bowled a few overs in his return matches, his bowling workload has been sporadic, raising doubts over his ability to contribute as an all-rounder.
Bhogle pointed out Pandya's waning power-hitting skills and questioned whether he still merits a place in the
T20 World Cup squad
solely as a batsman if he is unable to bowl consistently.
"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."
Bhogle emphasized the importance of Pandya's all-round abilities in balancing India's playing XI, particularly in the absence of regular bowling options among the top-order batsmen.
Pandya's ability to bowl four overs provides a crucial additional bowling option for the team and ensures the presence of at least two all-rounders, with
Ravindra Jadeja
also in contention.
However, with Pandya's fitness and bowling form under scrutiny, his selection for the T20 World Cup could hinge on his ability to regain full fitness and contribute effectively with both bat and ball.
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