With the kind of batting and bowling Hardik Pandya is showing in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League, it is very likely that the all-rounder will be selected for the upcoming T20 World Cup set to happen in the USA and West Indies, in the upcoming June 2024.
Former cricketer-turned-commentator Harsha Bhogle has started a discussion about whether Hardik Pandya should be included in India’s T20 World Cup 2024 squad. He questions if the Mumbai Indians star can effectively contribute to the national team as an all-rounder.
After sustaining an ankle injury during last year’s ODI World Cup, the all-rounder was out of action until March. The cricketer made a comeback in the Indian Premier League 2024 but he did not look very active in the ground while batting.
While having a conversation with Cricbuzz, Simon Doull said, “You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in-game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required. He’s injured. I’m telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it. But there is something wrong with him for sure. That is my gut feeling.”
Harsha Bhogle also asserted his opinion and said that if the all-rounder is not bowling, will he make it to the T20 World Cup 2024?
“If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 WC squad?” said Bhogle.
“Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling? I’m not convinced of that because if he is not bowling and he is not finishing as powerfully, he needs to bat up, where all the competition is. So, for Hardik to go into the T20 WC, he has to be able to bowl four overs. I won’t be surprised if, coming out of that back injury, he is feeling a little ginger.”
