New Delhi. When the Indian team was selected for the T20 World Cup, questions were asked about some of the players. Like why Rinku Singh or Ravi Bishnoi is not in the team. Similarly, there were some questions about Hardik Pandya’s form and fitness. It was said that if Hardik doesn’t bowl regularly, he doesn’t fit into the team. Well, these questions were answered by captain Rohit Sharma and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. But now Hardik Pandya has also answered everyone with his performance. The T20 World Cup will be played in West Indies and America from June 2. (AP)
Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya has played 3 matches in last 7 days in IPL. He took two wickets each in two of these matches and three wickets in the third match. Not only that, he completed a spell of 4 overs in all three matches. Pandya bowled very economically against Lucknow Supergiants and Sunrisers Hyderabad, conceding 26 and 31 runs respectively in a spell of 4 overs.
Hardik Pandya’s performance must have removed the worries of Team India captain Rohit Sharma. Only 4 spinners and 3 bowlers have been selected in the Indian team. Hardik Pandya is counted as the fourth fast bowler, whose bowling has been a concern till 30 April. Pandya neither completed his quota of 4 spells nor took a wicket. But the impressive style with which he has bowled in the last three matches can instill confidence in the Indian team that he can go with just two specialist fast bowlers. Hardik will play the role of the third fast bowler very well.
In the press conference, Rohit Sharma was repeatedly asked questions about the 4 spinners. By all these questions it seemed that a mistake was made by picking 4 spinners and India might miss out on fast bowlers. Then Rohit Sharma avoided these questions beautifully. Rohit and Agarkar then highlighted all the team selection from 4 spinners to Hardik and said that this is their best team. Now Hardik’s form is answering the questions posed to his captain. Surely, Rohit will be very happy to see Hardik’s bowling and go West Indies-USA with more confidence.
Tags: Hardik Pandya, IPL 2024, Rohit Sharma, T20 World Cup
First published: May 7, 2024, 14:17 IST