Hardik Pandya’s performance in the 2024 Indian Premier League has cast doubt on his selection for the T20 World Cup.
Many questions have been raised in the cricketing community following Mumbai Indians’ 20-run loss to Chennai Super Kings in their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match on Saturday. Since taking over as MI’s captain, Hardik Pandya has been under pressure and has struggled with the bat and the ball. Questions have begun to surface regarding Hardik’s position on the team because the T20 World Cup 2024 is scheduled to take place immediately following the end of the Indian Premier League.
Known for his blunt remarks, former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad made a provocative social media post on Sunday, pleading with the BCCI selection committee to select the ‘best 15 players’ for the competition.
The top 15 cricket players in India should be boarding the plane for the World Cup of Twenty20, I hope and pray. Our skill will allow us to win the competition, but it’s crucial to choose the best.”
Prasad posted on X (formerly Twitter).
In the past, Hardik wasn’t selected for India’s T20 World Cup team if he couldn’t bowl regularly, according to former New Zealand bowler Simon Doull, who is providing commentary for the IPL 2024.
Although the aim of 207 runs was reachable, Hardik acknowledged after the game that the Mumbai Indians were unable to develop a strong middle partnership to win the game.
“They bowled quite well, but the mark was definitely reachable. The distinction was Pathirana. They used their strategy and plans wisely. They eventually got the hang of it, and it helps that Dhoni, the man behind the stumps, can tell them what’s working. The pitch was holding up somewhat and becoming more challenging. It was important to bat clean and maintain focus.”Before Pathirana entered the attack and claimed those two wickets, we were doing really well in the run chase. We had other options, but we opted for what was most appropriate at the moment.I prefer to play percentage cricket, so it would have been challenging for Dube to go up against seamers as opposed to spin. The next four games are away from home, therefore we must play well and maintain a high level of intensity,” he stated.
