ICC T20 World Cup 2021: BCCI Decided To Keep Hardik Pandya In The Indian Squad On MS Dhoni’s Request: Reports

The BCCI has been pondering over Hardik Pandya’s fitness since the last six months and more. The all-rounder’s fitness was a huge concern heading into this T20 World Cup. He was included in the Indian squad on MS Dhoni’s persistence after the BCCI were bent down on not including him for the mega event. 

Meanwhile, as per a report in Times of India, the All India Senior Selection Committee was in favour of sending Hardik back to India after a string of low scores in the IPL. However, MS Dhoni trusted Pandya’s finishing skills which is why he vouched for his inclusion. 

MS Dhoni discussing about power hitting with Hardik Pandya in the nets #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/QIgkWhzrbY

— India Fantasy (@india_fantasy) October 28, 2021

“The truth is that the selectors wanted to send him back to India after he didn’t bowl in the IPL, but MS Dhoni (appointed Team India mentor) vouched for his finishing skills,” TOI quoted a source as saying.

“The whole mystery around his fitness has been going on for the last six months. You’re now saying that he has a shoulder injury. In the bargain, you aren’t giving a chance to a fit guy. You’re playing an unfit guy who isn’t useful to the team. It’s not right. Because of him, you’re neglecting other fit guys who have been performing well,” he further added.

Hardik Pandya Bowled In The Nets On Wedneaday

Hardik Pandy was spotted bowling in the nets on Wednesday. This must come as a good news to the management who are trying to solve the mystery of a sixth bowling option in the XI. 

Meanwhile, Former India selector Sandeep Patil has slammed the national selectors questioning all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s selection in the ICC T20 World Cup squad.

“His selection in the XI is up to the captain and the coach, and only the BCCI will know about it. But basically, if a player is not fit, then it comes to the selectors. If he didn’t bowl in the entire IPL, the selectors should have taken a call. They should have asked for a fitness test before including him in the team for the World Cup,” Patil said to TOI.

---