Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane openly questioned the team management’s decision to not use Hardik Pandya as a bowler during the fourth T20I against New Zealand in Visakhapatnam on January 28. With Ishan Kishan sidelined due to a niggle, India went in with five specialist bowlers.
Along with pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Despite this depth, all five specialist bowlers completed their full quota of four overs as New Zealand piled up a daunting 215/7 in 20 overs. This approach resulted in Hardik not bowling a single delivery, a move that raised eyebrows with the T20 World Cup drawing closer.
Speaking at the mid-innings break, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his surprise at the call, saying, “When you have options like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, three other proper fast bowlers, and two spinners, confusion can be created in a captain’s head.”
“I wanted to see Hardik Pandya bowling. If you are looking at him to bowl with the new ball in the World Cup, this is a series he should bowl in every game, at least two or three overs. So I was surprised he didn’t get to bowl today.” Rahane felt that the series was an ideal platform to test Hardik in different bowling roles under match pressure.
Powerplay Usage And Hardik’s Recent Form
Rahane further pointed out that the conditions demanded Hardik’s involvement with the ball, especially early in the innings. He noted, “Shivam Dube is fine, but it was a good batting wicket, so Hardik should have bowled one or two overs in the powerplay.”
According to Rahane, using Hardik upfront could have added variety and control when the ball was new, rather than relying solely on the specialist bowlers.
The decision looked even more puzzling considering Hardik’s effectiveness in the earlier matches of the series. In the first three T20Is, he emerged as one of India’s most impactful bowlers, picking up four wickets at an average of 17 across eight overs. His form had strengthened the case for giving him consistent bowling time as part of India’s preparations for the global tournament.
Rahane Lauds Rinku Singh’s Fielding Effort
Apart from tactical criticism, Rahane also took time to praise Rinku Singh for his exceptional fielding performance in the same match. With New Zealand batters on the attack, Rinku stood out by taking four sharp catches across different regions of the ground.
Highlighting his dedication, Rahane said, “He’s (Rinku) a very good fielder with safe hands. I remember when he was not in the playing 11 for KKR, KKR always used to send him as a substitute fielder each and every time. He works really hard on his fitness and is really quick in the outfield. Half-an-hour alone he’ll just do catching and direct hits.”
As for the match situation, India were chasing 216 to secure a 4-0 series lead, having already sealed the series with dominant wins in the first three games. However, the hosts found themselves under pressure early, reaching 50/2 at the end of the powerplay.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
