‘I don't see clarity in his batting position’ - Aakash Chopra reflects on Hardik Pandya’s form slump

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has found himself amidst a run of poor form in recent months. Ever since his return from injury in April 2022, Pandya had been in sensational form with both the bat and the ball. However, the run was cut short when he had a rough patch at the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, where he was unable to make a big impact for Gujarat Titans in their run to the final.

Furthermore, the 29-year-old has been unable to perform to the best of his abilities in the ongoing ODI series between West Indies and India. Scoring only 12 runs and taking one wicket, the visitors would be hopeful that Pandya can reflect on his performance and put in an improved showing in the series decider on Tuesday, August 1. 

Seeing the 29-year-old’s poor performances, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra also came forward to give his take on the same. Chopra opined that Pandya’s form as of late has gone under the radar, and he also talked of the comparisons between Shardul Thakur and Umran Malik.

"Hardik Pandya's poor form of late has gone under the radar. He did not have a great IPL. Personally, I don't see clarity in his batting position. Shardul is well ahead of Umran Malik at this stage. But, to be fair, Umran is not getting a chance either. He has only been given a couple of overs," Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Umran Malik could be yet another worry for team India; the young pacer had a forgettable season at the IPL 2023 and has not shown much for his efforts in the games against the West Indies as well. Yet to claim a wicket, it could be interesting to see how Malik would fare in the final ODI, given that he is included in the starting lineup.

The ODI series is currently levelled at 1-1, with India winning the first game and the Windies clinching the second. With the third and final ODI scheduled for Tuesday, August 1, fans would lie in wait to see which side takes home the white-ball series.