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regular-article-logo Tuesday, 07 May 2024

Hardik Pandya’s poor form, both with bat and ball, delays his confirmation in squad for T20 World Cup

Tournament begins on June 2 and Wednesday is deadline set by ICC for finalising provisional squads

Indranil Majumdar Calcutta Published 26.04.24, 10:23 AM
Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya during a training session

Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya during a training session PTI

The selection for the T20 World Cup is only days away but the national selectors still haven’t zeroed in on the full squad.

The indifferent form of some of the players has kept the think-tank in two minds. Hardik Pandya’s poor form, both with the bat and ball, has delayed his confirmation on the flight to the US and the West Indies.

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The tournament begins on June 2 and Wednesday is the deadline set by the ICC for finalising the provisional squads.

The Telegraph had reported on April 16 that the all-rounder’s fitness was under scrutiny following his reluctance to bowl leading to doubts over his place in the World Cup XV.

Pandya has bowled only 17 overs in Mumbai Indians’ eight matches at an economy of almost 11 while capturing only four wickets. His performance is well below the desired standards and it has reflected on the team’s performance this season.

His batting too has hardly been inspiring — 151 runs at a strike-rate 142.45. Only seven sixes has also made his role as a finisher uncertain.

Pandya was recently promoted to Grade A in the BCCI's annual contracts and is tipped to take over from Rohit Sharma.

Sources said that Pandya’s inclusion is not guaranteed and a final call will rest on head coach Rahul Dravid and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. What has made his case more curious is his reluctance to bowl regularly and finish his quota of overs.

The team management is keen on picking a seam bowling all-rounder since it adds more balance to the side and could be a handy replacement in case any of the five specialist bowlers have an off day.

With no other player of his ilk ready to make the transition, the selectors may be forced to include Pandya since he provides batting and bowling options.

The selectors are keen on Shivam Dube but he too hasn’t bowled in the IPL. However, his big-hitting ways have given him a fair chance of making the grade.

Agarkar is known to be tough on non-performers which makes Pandya’s inclusion uncertain.

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