Bowling performance will determine Hardik Pandya’s T20 World Cup spot: Hardik Pandya’s comeback to the Indian team for the T20 world cup might well depend on how well and how often he bowls in the remainder of the IPL. In a meeting between India head coach Rahul Dravid, chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar and captain Rohit Sharma at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai last week, it’s understood that a decision was taken that Hardik has to bowl regularly if he wants to make a comeback. The Indian Express understands that the major part of the discussion in the two-hour meeting was about the seam bowling all-rounder which the team is looking for in the USA and West Indies, which will host the world cup.
Pandya has been struggling in the IPL, drawing criticism from the supporters who don’t seem to like that he took Rohit’s place as the captain of the Mumbai Indians. He hasn’t yet performed to the expected level, either with the bat or the ball. More concern about him was aroused on Sunday night when he was hit for three straight sixes by MS Dhoni in the last over of the CSK innings.
India, who already have a strong lineup of batsmen, would like to have Pandya, the all-rounder, at the World Cup to provide them with the much-needed balance.
Pandya has bowled in four of the six games since making his comeback during the IPL. He bowled the opening opening two matches against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad, sending down three and four overs respectively. Following his absence from bowling in the next two matches, Pandya bowled one over against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and three overs against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.
However, it’s concerning that Pandya has only claimed three wickets in the IPL at an economy rate of 12.00.
Pandya’s ability to hit the back of the length area and get the extra bounce has been one of his greatest assets with the ball. Additionally, in T20s, he has previously had success with his jumbled seam deliveries and cutters. However, Pandya hasn’t been able to make an impression with the new ball because there isn’t much swing available this season. Additionally, as Dhoni demonstrated, when using the old ball, a player’s stock deliveries run the risk of being penalised rather than relying on cuts.
Pandya has been pricey in the middle overs, when batsmen normally try to exploit the weak link. He gave up 10 runs in the one over he bowled against Gujarat (15th). He let up 11 runs apiece in the ninth and fourteenth overs he bowled against Hyderabad. He bowled just one over in the tenth over against RCB and gave up 13 runs. He was removed by Ruturaj Gaikwad in the 16th over of the match against CSK, having conceded 15 runs in the 10th over. He only bowled at the end of this IPL season, and that was in the final over, where he conceded 26 runs.
Dube is likewise highly desired by selectors, however
Pandya’s poor form—he has only scored 131 runs in the IPL thus far—has raised questions, and it has been said that the selectors, who have been visiting various locations, are also considering Shivam Dube. In addition to being a left-hander, Dube can dismiss spinners with ease. This season, he has become more effective against pacers even with two bouncers and an overrule in place. His middle-order strength is unusual due to his power hitting. However, Dube’s main role by the Chennai Super Kings is as an impact player, meaning that he isn’t required to contribute with the ball. He would therefore be employed more as a part-time bowler even if India pick him.
Since there isn’t another seam bowling all-round player prepared to step up to the big leagues, India is counting on Pandya to perform well. India will be a very different team if Pandya can be relied upon to bowl his fair share of overs because their best bowlers are not very skilled with the bat. They will have six bowling options and more batting depth with him. Yet, there are doubts about Pandya’s bankability because to his poor form and how frequently he bowls. Their complete reliance on him during the 50-over World Cup the previous year was ultimately betrayed by his injuries suffered halfway through the season. For this reason, India prefers that Pandya be a fully-fit player who can make an impact with the ball in every game as opposed to only a batter who can do so occasionally.
It is acknowledged that the BCCI has inquired about the needs of the team management, particularly in New York City, which is set to host the country’s first major cricket carnival. An expert from the Indian board has already travelled to the USA to inspect hotels and other facilities. Since 2013, the Indian squad has not taken home an ICC title. When India lost to Australia in Ahmedabad in the World Cup final for the 50 overs in 2023, they were very close.
