Former India player turned famous commentator Aakash Chopra has said that Indian selectors might change the 15-member squad that has been selected for the T20 World Cup earlier. According to Chopra, since Hardik Pandya is not in his top form, he might not be retained in the India squad for T20 World Cup 2021 as well.
However, Hardik Pandya did not bowl while playing for Mumbai Indians’ (MI) in the IPL 2021. With the bat, he managed to score only 127 runs in 12 games as well. In a discussion on his YouTube channel, Chopra said that keeping Pandya in the squad for the T20 World Cup could affect the team balance considering his form.
He explained: “When Hardik Pandya was picked in the 15 for the T20 World Cup, the selectors assumed he would be bowling. That’s why they named only three fast bowlers in the squad. Hardik was supposed to be used as the fourth bowler. I am told, I don’t know for sure, that the selectors were given a guarantee Hardik would start bowling soon. But, Rohit Sharma recently confirmed that he hasn’t bowled a single ball yet. So, he’s not bowling, and his batting form is absolutely absent.”
“He (Hardik) might not be in the team. Things can change radically. Six months back he was our most valuable asset. But now, it won’t be a surprise if Shardul Thakur comes in.The balance of the side has been affected because Bhuveshwar Kumar’s form is 50:50. That leaves India with only Bumrah and Shami,” he again shared.
Dhoni knows how to keep the team united:Aakash Chopra
On the other hand, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer have been picked as reserves in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup.The BCCI has also named former India captain MS Dhoni as a mentor of the team for the marquee event.
“He will help India in picking the right XI. He will read the pitch conditions very well. Players who are down on confidence will look to MSD for inspiration and gain confidence. Dhoni knows how to keep the team united and he will ensure that India keeps it simple. I am pretty sure there will be no conflict with coach Ravi Shastri. Both Dhoni and Shastri are strong characters and, if they work together, they can do wonders. They have a common goal,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
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