Hardik Pandya’s form has been one of the most talked-about topics in the recent past and his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad has raised many eyebrows. Since his back injury in 2019, he hasn’t been in performing to the best of his caliber and struggled to gain his old form back. With his all-round ability, Pandya used to bring a great balance to the Indian side but after his back surgery, he has been bowling on rare occasions.
Three Players who can replace Hardik Pandya
With reduced chances of him bowling in the T20 World Cup, his spot in the squad, which was already in question, is now more questionable after the subordinary performances in the Sri Lanka tour and the IPL 2021. In the Sri Lanka tour, Pandya could only score a 9 and a duck in the two ODIs and a 12-ball 10 in the only T20I he played. He had a forgettable first leg of IPL 2021 and almost the same is happening on the UAE leg as well. In the total 10 matches, he has played this season, he has managed to score just 112 runs at an average of 14. Taking out the 40 not out he scored against Punjab, there is nothing for him to impress someone with.
With Pandya struggling with his form and the window open to make changes in the T20 World Cup squads till 10th October, it would be wise of the BCCI to replace him with a suitable player. Considering the recent forms of various players, one of the undermentioned players could be an appropriate replacement for Hardik Pandya.
Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur is one of the most improved cricketers in the recent past. He has been performing consistently for the national side as well as his IPL franchise CSK. Glimpses of his batting caliber were seen in Australia and England where he scored some quick-fire knocks in the longest format of the game. His knack of taking crucial wickets and providing breakthroughs to his team is known to all and this makes him a great option to replace Hardik Pandya in the T20 World Cup squad.
Venkatesh Iyer
Venkatesh Iyer, in a very short period of time, has managed to impress everyone with his batting and bowling abilities. In the five IPL matches he has played so far, he has scored 193 runs at an average of 48.25. His strike rate of 141.91 speaks volumes as to what he can do with the bat. He has also managed to grab 3 wickets so far in the tournament. With the fearless brand of cricket he plays, Venkatesh Iyer surely looks like someone who could be a suitable replacement for Hardik Pandya.
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Deepak Chahar
Deepak Chahar brings to the table a great combination of swing bowling and lower-order batting. He is a great new-ball bowler who has good experience of bowling in the Powerplay. His ability to swing the ball both ways separates him from the rest of the bowlers. He put into display his batting ability earlier this year when he played a match-winning knock of 69 runs against Sri Lanka. Chahar surely has the potential to perform on the big stage and if given the opportunity he can take up the all-rounder’s role.