Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has suggested some crucial changes ahead of India’s must-win match against New Zealand. Pakistan have beaten both India and New Zealand in their first two games making this clash a do-or-die for both teams. The Indian team have some injury concerns heading into this contest. One of their big worries is the form of all-rounder Hardik Pandya.
Meanwhile, talking to Sports Tak, Sunil Gavaskar suggested the changes that he would like to see in the Indian playing XI. The Indian team is also thinking about sixth bowling option which has been a problem for India since the time Pandya’s lower back injury has hindered him from bowling his full quota of overs.
“If Hardik Pandya is not bowling – due to that shoulder injury he sustained in the match against Pakistan – Ishan Kishan has been in brilliant form so I will surely consider him ahead of Pandya” Gavaskar said.
Hardik did bowl in the nets on Wednesday giving India hopes of covering up for their sixth bowling option. However, the Indian all-rounder is yet to regain his full fitness.
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— BCCI (@BCCI) October 28, 2021
Gavaskar further said that India should consider playing Shardul Thakur in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar against New Zealand. Bhuvi has not been at his best in recent times and he did not look at his best against Pakistan either.
“And perhaps, you can think of Shardul Thakur in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. But otherwise, if you make too many changes, then you will show the opposition that you have panicked,” Sunil Gavaskar added.
No Need To Panic For India: Sunil Gavaskar
Sunil Gavaskar further suggested India not to panic ahead of the game against the Kiwis. The Kiwis have met the Indian teams a few times earlier in ICC tournaments. India’s only win against the Kane Williamson-led side came way back in 2003 World Cup under Sourav Ganguly’s leadership.
“If you make changes, it will show that the team has panicked. There is no need to panic, because they have a good team. Yes, you’ve lost a match to a good team but that doesn’t mean that going forward, India won’t win the match or win the tournament. If you win the next four matches, you can make it to the semi-final and from there, possibly even the final. So, there is no need to make too many changes,” Gavaskar concluded saying.
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