ICC World Cup 2023: India Need Hardik Pandya As All-Rounder, Not Just As Batter - Sanjay Manjrekar

Cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar feels that Hardik Pandya’s form will be a bit of concern for India during ICC World Cup 2023. Sanjay Manjrekar also revealed why Team India need Hardik Pandya as an all-rounder more than just a batter during the tournament.

Hardik Pandya is the only medium-pace all-rounder for India in ICC World Cup 2023. As a result, he will act as a fourth seamer in the playing XI. Hence, his bowling form is very crucial for Team India.

Also Read: IND Vs IRE: ‘Shivam Dube Is Not Hardik Pandya But..’- Aakash Chopra’s Colossal Verdict On Indian All Rounder

India Need Hardik Pandya As An All-Rounder Not As Batter- Sanjay Manjrekar

While speaking in a video on Star Sports, Sanjay Manjrekar revealed why India need an all-rounder Hardik Pandya more than just a batter. Manjrekar shed light on how Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina gave crucial contributions as all-rounders when India last won the ODI World Cup title in 2011.

“Hardik Pandya’s form is a little bit of a concern. In his building, he has to do a lot of physical work. India needs him as an all-rounder and not just as a batter. So atleast 6-7 over in every innings is expected of him”, Manjrekar said. Have a look at the complete video below.

.@sanjaymanjrekar reflects upon the matter of deciding whether #SuryakumarYadav should play in the #CWC2023.
He believes that even though SKY does not have the best ODI figures, he could still prove to be India's gamechanger!#FollowTheBlues pic.twitter.com/VyFCjPv0jh

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) August 20, 2023

Yuzvendra Chahal Has To Rise In 50-Over Format: Snajay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjekar also spoke about India’s spin attack. He advised Yuzvendra Chahal to rise to the occasion in the 50-over format and give a helping hand to the team in getting wickets along with Kuldeep Yadav.

“In the spin department, Yuzvendra Chahal needs to rise to the occasion in the 50-over format in India to get those crucial wickets along with Kuldeep Yadav,” the former India opener said.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2023: Jasprit Bumrah Set To Become Indian Team’s Vice-Captain – Reports

ICC World Cup 2023 commences on October 5 in India. The tournament will witness a battle among 10 teams. They are India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Australia, New Zealand, England, South Africa, and the Netherlands.

So far, Australia and England have named their preliminary squad for the tournament. India, who are yet to get fitness reports of some crucial players, are yet to announce their squad for Asia Cup 2023 as well ICC World Cup 2023. The squads of both tournaments are expected to be similar.