The streak of unsatisfactory performances from Hardik Pandya continues as he fails to find touch in the ongoing Srilanka tour. The Indian All-rounder is not being seen in his old explosive form ever since his back injury in 2019. He has not even bowled to his full potential ever since his injury. Meanwhile, the talks of finding the replacement of Hardik Pandya are already being heard.
With the T20 World Cup being just a few months away, Hardik Pandya’s form is crucial for Team India. India has always been deficient in the fast-bowling all-rounders and the case is no different now. The all-rounder spot of team India requires someone like Hardik Pandya, and if he’s not in form or fully fit, a replacement has to be made.
Sunil Gavaskar on Hardik Pandya’s Replacement
The former India Batsman, Sunil Gavaskar had his say on Hardik Pandya’s form and replacement. He suggested two players from the current white-ball squad itself, who can replace Hardik. Gavaskar hailed Deepak Chahar’s 69 run-knock in the 2nd ODI vs SL and named him as his first choice as the replacement for Hardik Pandya. He also talked about a similar knock from Bhuvneshwar Kumar which was played back in 2017. Gavaskar said both Deepak Chahar and Bhuneshwar Kumar have proven their all-round skills and they have the potential to replace Pandya.
“Of course, there is a backup. You recently saw Deepak Chahar; he proved that he can be an all-rounder. You did not give Bhuvneshwar Kumar that opportunity. Two-three years ago, when India played in Sri Lanka, then he along with Dhoni, had won India a match. The scenario in that match was similar to the second ODI. They had lost 7-8 wickets and Bhuvneshwar and Dhoni had won that match for India,” Gavaskar said, indicating the two players as potential replacements for Hardik Pandya.
Deepak Chahar in fact has shown his Batting skills in the 2nd ODI where he scored a match-winning 69 run knock. Chahar came in with the team being 6 down for 160 and needing 117 more runs to win. He showed great intent and made a good partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar to take his team home. On the other hand, Bhuvneshwar Kumar has always played some handy knocks for team India in the tough times. Hence, any of the two players could be groomed as Hardik Pandya’s replacement.
Gavaskar added on how Team India has not given opportunities to the deserving players
“You never even thought, but these two players could be all-rounders too. He has that batting talent. You’re only looking at one person. What has happened in the last 2-3 years is that others who deserved a lot more opportunities, haven’t got them. And that is why now today you are looking at one player and saying ‘oh he’s not in the form’. If you give these guys opportunities, you can find all-rounders,” Gavaskar said.
Pandya’s Form: Hardik Pandya’s performance in the on-going tour of Srilanka has been substandard. He scored a 19 and got out for a duck in the 2nd and the 3rd ODI respectively. While in the 1st T20I he could only make 10 runs. His bowling performance has also been below-par with just 3 wickets in 4 matches.
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Hardik will not play the next two T20s of the series as he’s been in close touch with his brother Krunal Pandya. Krunal tested positive for Covid-19 on Tuesday.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled just after the IPL 2021, the latter is going to be crucial for Hardik Pandya. His form in IPL 2021 will be decisive for his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad. Hardik Pandya’s unsatisfactory form in the IPL would lead to some replacements coming in.
