Yesterday, India announced a 16-man squad for the forthcoming T20I series against New Zealand. While Venkatesh Iyer, Harshal Patel, and Avesh Khan were selected for the first time, Hardik Pandya wasn’t a part of it. Regardless, the netizens aren’t surprised. Hardik’s axing has been a long time coming.
Ever since his injury layoff, Hardik hasn’t been anywhere near his best. He has struggled for timing and he has struggled for runs. Also, he hasn’t bowled much at all. In the ongoing 2021 T20 World Cup, Hardik managed to score 68 runs in three games. However, more than half of them came against a depleted Afghanistan side. Against quality bowling line-ups of Pakistan and New Zealand; Hardik stuttered. Most of his runs came off inside edges, outside edges, and mishits.
Management doesn’t trust Hardik Pandya as a pure batsman
Apparently, the Indian management has had enough of Hardik Pandya. According to TOI, the think tank doesn’t think that Hardik warrants a place in the squad as a pure batsman. If he doesn’t bowl and underperforms as a batter, his time is done. At least for the time being.
Now, the management is going to groom bright prospects for the future. They are looking at Venkatesh Iyer as a potential replacement. The second leg of IPL 2021 saw Venkatesh putting his talents on display. Opening the batting under Eoin Morgan, Iyer’s stroke-making became the talk of the town as he scored 370 runs off 10 innings, averaging 41.11 runs per inning. He also bowled in four matches, picking three wickets in the process.
The KKR all-rounder is surely a future star. He’s ready for the international stage and the opportunity is there for him. India’s batting line-up is filled with right-handers and Venkatesh’s inclusion will add some variety to the line-ups. It’ll help with countering some match-ups and bring in intent.
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Notably, Iyer will also serve as a much-needed sixth bowling option. KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma will be opening the batting against NZ and Surya will be fixated at three. Therefore, Iyer may be batting at four, or serve as a direct finishing replacement for misfiring Hardik. If he fares well, he’ll have a spot locked in playing eleven. Hardik will be brushed aside. Will that actually be the case or not?