India all-rounder Hardik Pandya might not have form in his favour but the 'TINA' factor is likely to see him get the selectors' nod for the T20 World Cup 2024. There remains no like-for-like replacement for Hardik. Though Chennai Super Kings' all-rounder Shivam Dube has shown brilliant form in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign, the team's reluctance to use him as a bowler is likely to work in Hardik's favour, as per a report.
According to PTI, Hardik is likely to make it to India's 15-member squad for the World Cup as there is no alternative (TINA) for him. Hardik's batting prowess, scoring runs at a strike of 132, and also the fact that he is a very good all-round fielder are also expected to work in his favour.
Pandya has so far bowled 17 overs out of a possible 32 in eight games for Mumbai Indians in the 17th edition of the IPL.
As a designated finisher, he has hit only seven sixes in these games, which is below par by every measure. The free-flowing bat-swing is completely missing in the 150 odd runs that he has scored in the tournament so far at a strike-rate of 142.
While Hardik is a more complete all-rounder, Dube's batting form has seen him emerge as one of the finest finishers in the game. Dube might not be competing with Hardik for the all-rounder's spot, but he is a strong candidate for a spot in the 15.
It's Bishnoi vs Avesh vs Axar
The five bowlers, who have all but sealed their places are Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
However save Bumrah and Kuldeep, the other Indian bowlers haven't been in great form during IPL and hence the choice of an extra bowler becomes very important.
It will be a three-way fight between Rajasthan Royals' pacer Avesh, Delhi Capitals left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar and Lucknow Super Giants leg-spinner Bishnoi.
Avesh, who has improved a lot as far as his death bowling is concerned, has eight wickets from as many matches with an economy rate of 9.41 while Bishnoi has only taken five wickets but on flat tracks, his economy of 8.47 can be considered impressive.
Axar, who has seven scalps from nine games but is bowling at an rate of just above 7, would be a brilliant choice too taking the conditions into consideration.
Also in terms of skill and pace, Dube the bowler isn't anywhere close to Pandya but his current batting form (22 sixes in eight games) can't be ignored either.
With PTI inputs