Hardik Pandya under fire for former Indian star’s “especially against Pakistan” comment. cricket news

Former India fast bowler S Sreesanth on Friday supported Hardik Pandya’s selection in the T20 World Cup squad, saying the all-rounder’s presence along with Virat Kohli will make a “great combination” while chasing difficult targets. There were objections to Pandya’s inclusion in the out-of-form India 15-man squad, but the selectors relied on his past record and his ability to change the course of the game with both bat and ball. If his selection in the team was not enough, many were surprised by his appointment as vice-captain for the ICC showpieces in the United States and the West Indies.

But Sreesanth, one of India’s best outswing bowlers after Kapil Dev, supported the move.

Sreesanth said during a discussion, “We have seen what he can do on the field except in this year’s IPL. The way he is batting and the way he is bowling for the country, he has shown a Also led the country in the series and we won.” On Star Sports.

“Rohit was asked about this and he said that sometimes I am the captain and sometimes I am not. But that does not change the aura and atmosphere of the team.”

“So, it’s a good thing that Hardik Pandya comes and bats, especially when he is chasing and Virat is on the other side, I think the combination they have created is very good.”

Pandya’s last appearance for India came during an ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh in October 2023.

He recovered from an ankle injury ahead of IPL 2024 and was named captain of five-time champions Mumbai Indians in place of Rohit Sharma – a move that was widely criticized.

Talking about Pandya’s bowling, Sreesanth said, ‘Hardik can take the new ball or the old ball, especially against Pakistan, but it is not just against Pakistan, we are going to play against many different teams. .

“So, this is an opportunity for Hardik to forget what he has done in this IPL and maybe, you never know, there are a few matches left and he might just come on.”

Former Australian all-rounder Tom Moody also supported Pandya’s selection in the Rohit-led team, saying that he is currently ahead of the other contenders.

“Name me three other guys who can do what Hardik Pandya is doing. That’s the basic thing. That skill of being a genuine all-rounder who can bat in your top six and potentially bowl four overs for you This could be a very rare moment in India,” Moody said.

“Yes, there are some others who play domestic cricket and are fine, but not in international cricket, which is of a different standard. So, I think he is head and shoulders above anyone competing for that particular role .

“I think (chief selector) Ajit Agarkar has accepted that that is the case and we have to give him a long leeway in terms of his recovery, his form and everything else, because he is a very valuable commodity in this case.” The country,” Moody said.

The Australian player also said that Shivam Dubey should bowl a lot during training so that he is ready for the job if needed during the match. Moody described his selection as a “smart move”.

“I would be incredibly surprised if Dube is not handling his bowling workload, which is basically not bowling in the middle of the competition, but bowling in practice and bowling in the pre-game, so that per His number of balls is increasing by the week. Make sure his body is adapted to bowling.

“Even if he doesn’t have to bowl in a match situation, he has the bowling, so it’s not like he hasn’t bowled for two months and then suddenly he is called upon to bowl in the World Cup tournament.

“So, he will be physically ready for the occasion. So, Shivam Dubey is a smart pick for me,” Moody said.

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