Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya hasn’t bowled much since his comeback after his lower back injury. This is also one of the reasons why Hardik is not part of India’s tour of England, 2021. In the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka, Hardik has bowled nine overs so far conceding 54 runs and has only one wicket to his name.

Former India cricketer and now a commentator, Aakash Chopra feels it’s tough to judge the reason behind Hardik’s lack of form. Aakash said in an interaction with Espncricinfo:

“It doesn’t seem like (Hardik Pandya is fit to bowl). Is it the form or fitness its tough to say for us from here. He hasn’t bowled for a long time. He bowled 2-4 overs against England (earlier in the year) and hasn’t bowled since, then. Didn’t bowl in the IPL either. He has almost made himself unavailable from Test cricket.”

Aakash Chopra also added that Hardik Pandya doesn’t look in rhythm as he is bowling a lot of no-balls.

“It’s tough to judge him like this but he doesn’t look inform that’s for sure. He is not in rhythm, he’s bowling no-balls and it happens when you don’t have that bowling-related game time. Whether he is fit or not, only he can answer on how his body is responding. As a bowler, Hardik Pandya is not in form,” said Chopra.

No need to change the team, unless there is injury concern: Aakash Chopra on the team selection for the third ODI

Aakash Chopra stated that there is no need to change the Indian playing XI unless there is an injury as it won’t be fair even on the players brought in. He said:

“I don’t think so. It’s unfortunate but you will get nothing by playing someone or resting someone for one game. You played Prithvi Shaw, he made runs in one game, not in the other, same with Ishan Kishan. Manish played well in one, got out in an unfortunate manner in the other.”

“I can understand you want Chetan Sakariya, Navdeep Saini, Nitish Rana. There are six uncapped players in our side, but it won’t be fair to them as well. If you play them in this game, the next game they won’t play as there will be a new – T20I series. So, it is better to continue with your players unless there is some injury issue,” added Aakash.

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