IND vs AUS: Hardik Pandya's Role Puts Pressure On India's World Cup Campaign- Aakash Chopra Expresses Concerns

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the Men in Blue are heavily dependent on all-rounder Hardik Pandya leading into the ICC World Cup 2023. Aakash Chopra stated that Hardik Pandya is the only top-order batter who can provide a bowling option.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will face Australia in their first match of the World Cup at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8. The hosts are expected to have five specialist batters, including a wicketkeeper, and two all-rounders for the opening game.

No Other Player Like Him In The Squad – Aakash Chopra

Speaking on JioCinema’s daily sports show, ‘#AAKASHVANI,’ Aakash Chopra discussed the additional bowling options for the Rohit Sharma-led team in the World Cup.

“I am a bit worried that India is too dependent on Hardik Pandya. There is no other player like him in the squad – nobody bowls in the top 6. Ravindra Jadeja can play at No. 7, but his batting form hasn’t been great lately. Also, Pandya is the only batting all-rounder in the team and Shardul Thakur isn’t – he can’t bat at No. 6,” Aakash Chopra said.

Hardik Pandya was impressive during the recent Asia Cup 2023. The right-arm pacer picked up six wickets with an average of 11.33 and an exceptional economy rate of 3.34. Notably, he secured three wickets for just three runs in the final match.

Hardik Pandya Might Not Be At His Best – Aakash Chopra

The former Indian opener suggested that Pandya might not be at his best in the first game in Chennai due to this lack of match practice.

“Hence, I believe that Hardik Pandya is critical to team India’s success in the World Cup. Another reason why I am worried about this is the fact that he did not play the last three ODIs against Australia and the warm-up matches did not happen,” Chopra added.

“He has not played a lot of cricket – he played in the Asia Cup final and took a couple of wickets but could not bat and the last two fixtures against Pakistan were not too significant in terms of his performance. So, there might be a chance he might not be at his best in his first game in Chennai”

Hardik Pandya was rested from the recent three-match ODI series against Australia. The Rohit Sharma-led team’s two warm-up matches were washed out due to rain. He didn’t play ODI matches on home soil ahead of the World Cup.

India World Cup Squad: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya (vc), Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav

Also read: Nasser Hussain Snubs Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya As He Picks His ‘Ultimate World Cup XI’