India’s squad selection for the upcoming T20 World Cup has sparked unending discussions in the Indian cricket fraternity. While a majority of experts aren’t impressed with Rinku Singh’s snub, many have also questioned the selection of all-rounder Hardik Pandya and his appointment as Rohit Sharma’s deputy.
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Pandya has been leading the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 where both, the skipper and the team, are enduring a horrendous season. While the five-time champions are struggling at the bottom of the points table, losing 7 out of 10 games, the captain’s performance has also been below his own standards. The 30-year-old has accumulated only 197 runs and managed 6 wickets in 10 games.
Pandya securing a World Cup berth despite a dull show in the ongoing league has raised quite a few eyebrows. But a section of experts still believe that the all-rounder can do wonders for India in the World Cup irrespective of his performance in the IPL.
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Former India selector MSK Prasad has thrown his weight behind Pandya, stating that there is no better all-rounder than Pandya in the country at the moment.
“don’t think there is a second thought on Hardik’s inclusion and also being made the vice-captain of the side. He was given the mantle of captaincy when Rohit was not there. So that clearly indicated that he was next in line for leadership. The selectors made the right decision by picking him,” Prasad told RevSports.
“Tell me who in the country now is a better fast bowling all-rounder than Hardik? Yes, he has been struggling with his form in recent times. But let us be fair as well, there is so much that has happened. The change of leadership in Mumbai, unfortunately, has affected his form as well.
“But once he puts on the Indian jersey, he can leave his IPL form behind. And once again I repeat that Hardik Pandya is the best fast bowling all-rounder in the country now no matter what the pundits say,” he added.
No Replacement for Hardik Pandya: Ajit Agarkar
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the decision to pick Pandya for the global event in the West while addressing a presser on Thursday in Mumbai.
Agarkar claimed that currently, the skillset Pandya brings to the table is rare.
“Nothing was discussed on vice-captaincy,” Agarkar said. “He (Pandya) has got through all games so far for Mumbai Indians. We have a month and a little bit for our first game. As long as he is fit, there is no replacement for what he can do.”
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