India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024 saw some surprising choices, most notably the inclusion of Hardik Pandya despite his poor form, while players like Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh were omitted. BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained in a press conference that Hardik’s selection was due to a lack of suitable alternatives.
However, a subsequent report suggested that the selection committee was under external pressure to include the Mumbai Indians all-rounder. BCCI secretary Jay Shah later commented on the selection process, stating that players cannot be chosen based solely on their IPL performance. In an interview with the Times of India, Shah emphasized the importance of considering overseas experience when selecting a squad for a major tournament like the T20 World Cup.
Jai Shah said: “It has a good balance between form and experience. The selectors cannot choose on the basis of IPL performance alone, as overseas experience is also necessary.”
A report in Dainik Jagran claimed that neither the team captain, Rohit Sharma, nor the selection committee, headed by Ajit Agarkar, initially supported Hardik’s inclusion. The report suggested that Hardik was selected due to some form of pressure, though it did not clarify whether this pressure was due to his unique skill set as a fast-bowling all-rounder or from other sources. Sources indicated that Rohit Sharma, Agarkar, and some selectors were opposed to Hardik’s selection during a meeting in Ahmedabad.
Currently, the Indian team lacks another pace-bowling all-rounder of Hardik’s caliber. Shivam Dube is the only other option, but his bowling skills do not match those of Hardik. The upcoming T20 World Cup will reveal how captain Rohit Sharma strategizes the playing XI with the available squad.
Hardik Pandya was appointed as the captain of the Mumbai Indians for IPL 2024, but this decision was met with backlash from loyal fans who preferred Rohit Sharma to remain in the role. The situation worsened with Mumbai Indians’ dismal performance in IPL 2024, as they became the first team to be eliminated and currently sit at the bottom of the points table with only 4 wins from 13 games. In terms of his individual performance, Pandya has scored 200 runs and taken 11 wickets in 13 matches, which falls short of his usual standards.
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