On Hardik Pandya's T20 World Cup Selection, Harsha Bhogle's Damning Verdict
Hardik Pandya has only bowled one over in the last three matches. Does he make India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad as a pure batter?
Hardik Pandya, the all-rounder, remains a pillar in the Indian team, especially in white-ball cricket. But, what if Hardik is only playing as a batter? Does he make the T20 World Cup 2024 squad in that case? Over the last three matches for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Hardik has only bowled a solitary over. Against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals, the Mumbai Indians skipper chose not to bowl at all and went for 13 runs in one over that he bowled against RCB. (IPL 2024 Points Table)
The situation does leave a question mark on the faces of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors. Hardik opened the bowling for MI in the first few games, bowling 3-4 overs but things have dramatically changed over the last 3 games. Many even wonder if there's an injury that has prevented Hardik from snubbing bowling responsibilities.
Former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull even said that he strongly feels that an injury is preventing Hardik from bowling full throttle at present.
"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," the Kiwi commentator asserted.
In the wake of the situation, famous Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle asked a million-dollar question, if Harik should be picked in India's T20 World Cup squad as a pure batter. For Harsha, the answer remains no as there are other better pure batters in the team.
"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."
India Cricket Team
Mumbai Indians
Hardik Pandya