Reports: Selectors and Indian team management feel ‘one-dimensional’ Hardik Pandya can upset balance in T20 World Cup

With Hardik Pandya not bowling in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 due to fitness issues, questions have been raised over his selection in India’s squad for T20 World Cup 2021. The global event will get underway right after the conclusion of IPL and Pandya’s inability to bowl is a cause of concern for the Indian team. After all, he has been selected as an all-rounder and is expected to deliver in all three departments.

Pandya has been struggling with back issues since a while. While he bowled pretty regularly during India’s tour of Sri Lanka earlier this year, the right-arm pacer hasn’t bowled a single over in IPL 2021. Moreover, he wasn’t fit enough to feature in MI’s first two games in the UAE leg. Speaking of his fitness status, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene also indicated that the pacer isn’t ready to bowl.

“We’re trying to do what’s best for Hardik, going forward. Whether he can bowl or not in the IPL is something we will have to look at. At the moment, if we push too hard (to bowl), he might be an issue where he might even struggle and might not be an asset as a batsman,” the Mumbai Indians coach was quoted as saying.

Hardik Pandya not to feature in India’s XI for T20 World Cup?

While Mumbai Indians might not push Pandya to deliver with the ball, the Indian team management, and the selection committee may not consider the same. As per a report in Cricbuzz, coaches and the selectors of the Indian team feel a one-dimensional Pandya upsets the balance of the side. This apparently means Pandya cannot make the XI just for his batting.

It has to be noted that a fit and in-form Shardul Thakur is one of the three standbys. Hence, Pandya’s selection as a pure batter is bound to raise questions. Speaking on the matter, former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad said Hardik needs to bowl in IPL to justify his selection.

“He has regained his batting form which was good to see the other night (MI vs PBKS). I hope to see him bowl his quota of four overs in the last leg of the IPL and justify his selection in the World Cup squad,” Prasad told Cricbuzz.