Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has batted in favor of Hardik Pandya batting at number five in T20Is. Hardik has been key to India’s success in the series so far and Chopra feels he should be given more overs to bat. Pandya was the leading run-scorer for India in the 3-match ODI series in Australia.

The right-hander scored 210 runs at a strike rate of 114, winning the Man of the Match in the third ODI as he and Ravindra Jadeja bailed out the team from a dire situation. He kept up the good run in the T20Is and helped India secure the T20I series after losing the ODIs against Australia.

Hardik Pandya Counter-Productive At Number 6: Aakash Chopra

Hardik Pandya averaged 35 in the IPL and batted at a strike rate of 178- third highest of the tournament following Kieron Pollard and Jofra Archer. Meanwhile, Chopra in his Facebook page spoke about the Indian all-rounder being counter-productive at number six.

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“Hardik at No.6, that’s the question. I want him to bat at No.5 but you will be doing injustice to whoever bats at No.6, whether it is Manish Pandey or Sanju Samson. It’s not ideal but if you send Hardik at No.6, that is actually detrimental and counter-productive because you have got a player who has got the form and you are not sending him up the order,” Aakash Chopra added.

Hardik Pandya made a comeback of sorts in the IPL after suffering from a back injury post the 2019 World Cup. He went for rehabilitation at the NCA before the IPL which was his first outing since the injury.

The ace all-rounder remained unbeaten on 44 runs off just 22 balls as India chased down 194 runs set by the hosts in Sydney to seal the series with one match to go.

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