Shardul Thakur, R Ashwin could play if Team India drops Hardik Pandya for New Zealand clash: Irfan Pathan

Team India have made a terrible start to their campaign in T20 World Cup 2021, suffering a 10-wicket defeat against Pakistan in their opening clash. Many loopholes in India’s ship were exposed during the defeat and many reckon the Men in Blue will field a different playing XI in their upcoming clash against New Zealand. Several experts and former cricketers believe Hardik Pandya should warm the benches against the Kiwis as he hasn’t been in the best of touch lately.

Many questions were raised over Hardik’s selection even in the opening game as he didn’t bowl a single over in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL). He hasn’t been in the best of form with the bat either. However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli backed him to play the finisher’s role at the number six position.

The move didn’t really work as the dasher got out after scoring just 11 runs. He also continued to stay away from the bowling duties. With Team India suffering a humiliating defeat against their arch-rivals, the team management might ponder replacing Pandya with any other player. Speaking on the matter, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan named a couple of options that India can go with if Pandya faces the axe.

Indian would definitely think about Hardik Pandya’s alternative: Irfan Pathan

Pathan said if Hardik doesn’t play, Shardul Thakur can be slotted at the number seven position. However, with Thakur not being a genuine all-rounder, Pathan also said India would also include Ravichandran Ashwin in order to provide some depth in the batting line-up.

“The biggest question is whether Hardik Pandya will bowl or not? Is he in the right form to play the finisher’s role? If they back him, there’s no problem. However, the Indian side would definitely think about an alternative. They have the option of Shardul Thakur who can bat at number seven,” Pathan said in a video posted by Star Sports.

“However, if Shardul plays, you need another bowler who can fat as well. In this case, you have Ravichandran Ashwin. So, if Hardik doesn’t play, we might see a couple of changes in India’s playing XI.” Meanwhile, India will meet New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 31 (Sunday).

.@IrfanPathan lists a few options Team India would consider before #INDvNZ

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— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 29, 2021