Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar expressed concerns over Hardik Pandya’s form ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, saying that the star cricketer will need to contribute significantly more with both the bat and the ball if India are to win the title later this year.
Manjrekar appeared concerned about Hardik’s form during the recent West Indies tour, particularly with the ball in hand. Hardik could bat as a third pacer in spin-friendly conditions and also do the majority of the finishing for India at the end of their innings.
“Hardik Pandya’s form is a bit of a concern. He has to do a lot of heavy work at the World Cup. You need him as an all-rounder and not just as a batter. So you need at least 6-7 overs per game. When India won the 2011 World Cup, it was because of people like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina being the batters who could bowl,” Manjrekar said while speaking to Star Sports.
According to Manjrekar, with Ravindra Jadeja likely to be a bowler who will look after containing runs, he wants Yuzvendra Chahal to get back among the wickets alongside Kuldeep Yadav.
“Chahal needs to rise to the occasion in the 50-overs format to pick wickets along with Kuldeep Yadav because Jadeja will be the containment bowler. I think seam will be a gamble for most teams with the size and dimensions of grounds in India.”
India’s Asia Cup squad will be announced on Monday, August 21, and fans have been waiting far too long for it. With their games in Sri Lanka, it will be interesting to see which combinations the Men in Blue choose.
