Hardik Pandya: Former Indian cricketer turned commentator, Aakash Chopra believes Hardik Pandya's role as an all-rounder is critical to India’s success in the World Cup.
Hosting JioCinema’s daily sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI,’ Aakash Chopra opined whether India is too dependent on Hardik Pandya and his role in the team, as Ravindra Jadeja hasn’t performed with the bat lately.
“I am a bit worried that India is too dependent on Hardik Pandya. There is no other player like him in the squad – nobody bowls in the top 6. Ravindra Jadeja can play at No. 7, but his batting form hasn’t been great lately. Also, Pandya is the only batting all-rounder in the team and Shardul Thakur isn’t – he can’t bat at No. 6. Hence, I believe that Hardik Pandya is critical to team India’s success in the World Cup, said Aakash Chopra.
Aakash also felt a bit worried about Hardik Pandya’s recent form, as he hasn’t played much 50-over cricket after coming back from injury, which might hinder his performance.
Another reason why I am worried about this is the fact that he did not play the last three ODIs against Australia and the warm-up matches did not happen. He has not played a lot of cricket - he played in the Asia Cup final and took a couple of wickets but could not bat and the last two fixtures against Pakistan were not too significant in terms of his performance. So, there might be a chance he might not be at his best in his first game in Chennai.”
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India will play their first World Cup match against Australia, on Sunday at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium.