Hardik Pandya: At the Narendra Modi Ground in Ahmedabad on February 1, Team India’s T20I skipper Hardik Pandya put on an outstanding bowling display in the match-deciding match against New Zealand.
The Men in Blue reached 234/4 thanks to Shubman Gill’s magnificent 126* off 63 balls. Pandya collected 4/16 as the Kiwis were bowled out for a pitiful 66 in 12.1 overs.
Pandya began the innings by beginning the bowling. He dismissed Finn Allen (three) and Glenn Phillips (two). Later coming back to take out Lockie Ferguson (0) and Blair Tickner (one). In the first two T20Is of the tournament, the right-arm bowler started the bowling and had statistics of 0/33 and 1/25.
Before the tournament against New Zealand, the Indian captain began bowling in T20Is against Sri Lanka, taking three wickets in two games. To his credit, Pandya has performed admirably ever since assuming the duty of tossing the first ball in T20I sessions.
We examine three arguments. Why it would be preferable for him not to start starting bowling for Team India in the format?
1. It can’t be a long-term approach
Presently, Team India is concentrated on the 50-over category with the ODI World Cup in consideration. The West Indies and the US will host the 2024 T20 World Cup. Therefore they must not entirely disregard those arrangements. Pandya beginning the bowling in T20Is doesn’t appear to be a brief strategy in light of the ICC tournament.
It is crucial to stress once more how little he has actually done incorrectly with the new ball. But when considering the bigger picture, the crucial query is: How does Pandya’s role as an early bowler fit into factors? Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, or perhaps even Mohammed Shami might begin the bowling alongside Arshdeep Singh when Team India is at maximum capability.
2. A frontline bowler’s impact is reduced
India’s misappropriation of one of their leading seamers during the initial two T20I games against New Zealand. It went mostly ignored due to the condition of the pitch. In Ranchi’s opening game, Pandya started the bowling and Shivam Mavi entered the fray in the 14th over. He was hauled in as the squad’s seventh bowling alternative. Despite being chosen as a mainline pacer, although he only bowled two overs.
He only played one over, the 19th of New Zealand’s session, in the 2nd T20I at Lucknow. In other words, despite being a member of the starting XI, he was practically a non-playing part of the team. Despite spin not being a major factor in Ahmedabad, Mavi contributed two of the 12 overs that India threw.
3. Pandya is a proven performer as a third pacer
Pandya merits commendation for assuming the role of captain. And carrying on the duty of starting the attack against Sri Lanka and New Zealand. But it will be best for Team India if he quickly switches back to the third bowler position.
The 29-year-old has struggled with ailments and conditioning concerns in the past, which have kept him from bowling frequently. But when healthy, he has been an important commodity for India as a third alternative for a seamer, particularly in T20Is.
