ICC T20 World Cup 2021: Hardik Pandya Is Fit And Will Bowl Full Quota Of His Overs, States Chetan Sharma
Published - 09 Sep 2021, 09:15 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:53 AM
India’s national chief selector Chetan Sharma confirmed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be available to bowl at his full strength in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
On Wednesday, the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a 15-member squad for the mega event to be played next month in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hardik Pandya was included along with Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel as the team’s all-rounder.
Hardik Pandya is one of the leading all-rounders India have: Chetan Sharma
The question that was surrounding is whether the Mumbai Indians all-rounder will bowl as India’s third pacer or not? Pandya didn’t bowl a single over in the first half of IPL 2021 but when he returned for the limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka in July, he did bowl and also picked three wickets across four matches.
The all-rounder had to isolate himself along with several players after his brother Krunal Pandya contracted the COVID-19 virus. Chetan Sharma said that Pandya will bowl his full quota of overs.
“Hardik is fit and he will bowl the full quota of his overs. We have Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, so that was the main point, if the wickets are turning, then you have Axar and Jadeja with you,” Chetan Sharma said in a virtual press conference.
“Hardik Pandya is one of the leading all-rounders India have, so the main aim was to just pack the team with all-rounders,” Chetan Sharma added.
Ravichandran Ashwin makes it to India’s World Cup Squad
India also included senior spinner Ravichandran Ashwin and young leg-spinners Rahul Chahar and Varun Chakravarthy to boost the spin department and make sure they do not fall behind quality when it comes to playing on the turning tracks.
India, under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, will start their T20 World Cup campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Also Read: Chetan Sharma Reveals Why Shikhar Dhawan Was Dropped From India’s Squad For T20 World Cup 2021
