Hardik Pandya may face some resistance in his pursuit of a spot in India’s Twenty20 World Cup 2024 roster.
If Hardik Pandya’s current struggles in the Indian Premier League (PL) 2024 continue, he could suffer an even greater blow. Batsman Hardik has not yet found his groove, averaging 26.20 runs per match in six games played so far this season. When given the ball, Hardik has shown a lack of consistency, making him unfit to lead. In his last four games, he has bowled very little, and in those games when he has, the bats from the other team have annihilated him. According to reports, the selection committee from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has issued Pandya a clear message: you are in the Indian Twenty20 World Cup 2024 squad.
The Indian Express reports that last week at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai, skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar met. During the discussion, the subject of Hardik’s selection was raised, and the management emphasised the importance of his regular bowling sessions to ensure his selection.
This season, Hardik has bowled in a variety of formats, but he has yet to make an impression. He has given up 44 runs in 4 overs during powerplays and 62 runs in 6 overs during middle-overs. He has conceded 26 runs in only one over when bowling death overs.
Shivam Dube is the most prominent candidate among those vying to replace Hardik on the team. It has been stated that the selectors are also unhappy with the Chennai Super Kings star because he is limited to playing Impact for them. Despite being an all-rounder, CSK have not relied on Dube’s bowling this season.
Many have been amazed by the left-handed batter’s power hitting this season, particularly when facing spinners. As an all-rounder who can bowl four overs, he is more likely to be utilised as a part-time bowler if he is selected for the Twenty20 World Cup.