IND vs SL: Shoaib Akhtar Says India Should Drop Shreyas Iyer Once Hardik Pandya Is Back

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar suggested that India should replace Shreyas Iyer in the XI when Hardik Pandya is fully fit in the ICC World Cup 2023. He said that Men in Blue shouldn’t change their bowling lineup at all because they are doing exceptionally well. 

There’s no certainty about when Hardik Pandya will return to the Indian XI. The all-rounder twisted his ankle during the clash against Bangladesh and since then hasn’t been part of the team. Various reports have suggested that he’s nearing his full fitness and might return around the semi-finals. 

On the other hand, in his absence, Suryakumar Yadav has batted decently well as he played a vital knock against England. Haridk’s absence has also allowed India to include Mohammed Shami in the team and he has been sensational with the ball. 

Shoaib Akhtar feels that India might drop one bowler to bring Hardik Pandya back into the XI but he suggested that instead, they should drop Iyer. He believes that there’s no one in the bowling lineup that can be replaced. Speaking in a video posted on his YouTube channel, he explained: 

“A half-fit Hardik Pandya is not good for the Indian bowling attack because they may drop one bowler (to bring him in)…You can drop (Shreyas) Iyer if Hardik comes in, but don’t drop anyone from your bowling unit.” 

IND vs SL: India now need five good days to win the World Cup – Shoaib Akhtar 

Shoaib Akhtar lauded India for the win against England. He heaped rich praise on the bowlers for defending 229 runs. The former Pakistan pacer added that Men in Blue now need just 5 good days to win the trophy. He added: 

“People used to say India win matches with batting. See today, they are doing it with bowling as well. They had to defend 229 and won by 100 runs! That’s a huge thing! Hats off to the Indian bowling, especially Bumrah, a very very smart fast bowler. 

“India now need five good days to win the World Cup. If they go the final unbeaten and win the title, it will be a world record. I have never seen that, winning the World Cup without losing (a single match). I hope they don’t have bad luck in the semifinal or final.” 

India have won six out of their six games in the ICC World Cup 2023. They have batted and bowled exceptionally well in the tournament and have hardly put a foot wrong. If they played the way they are playing, it won’t be a surprise if they win the World Cup.