Asia Cup 2022: You Take Hardik Pandya Out Of The Side And The Balance Of The Team Goes Away: Ravi Shastri

During the T20 World Cup in the UAE last year, all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s bowling was missed by India, according to former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who also said that no one comes close to him in terms of quality.

Hardik Pandya, who has been selected for the India team to compete in the upcoming Asia Cup, participated in the 2021 ICC competition as a batter rather than an all-around player.

The flamboyant player received a lot of criticism for his poor bowling, which led to him taking a break from the sport after the competition.

The 28-year-old returned to playing competitive cricket in the 2022 Indian Premier League, leading GT to their first title.

We Missed Him In The T20 World Cup Last Year: Ravi Shastri

“He (Pandya) is one of the most important cogs in the wheel as far as India is concerned, “You take him out of the squad and the balance goes away. That’s how important he is. You don’t know whether to play an extra batsman or an extra bowler”, Shastri said in a press conference organised by Star Sports, the official broadcaster of Asia Cup 2022.

“We missed him really badly last year in the (T20) World Cup when he couldn’t bowl. It makes a massive difference. There is no one close to him when it comes to the quality that he possesses at that number. I think he is an extremely important player and has to be watched very closely. With the number of matches coming up, he is the last person you want to play in all those matches.”

Pandya has performed admirably since his return. He and Rishabh Pant helped India win the series in and against England in July 2022.

Also Read: ‘Babar Azam Will Be Thrown Out Of Pakistan Team If He Hits A Bad Form Like Virat Kohli’- Danish Kaneria Names Pakistan’s Ideal Future Captain