IND vs WI: Hardik Pandya's Poor Form Has Gone Under The Radar, Says Aakash Chopra
Published - 31 Jul 2023, 05:19 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:16 AM
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has highlighted allrounder Hardik Pandya‘s poor display in recent times, saying that his poor performance has gone under the radar.
Team India stars are in the firing line once again after their poor performance in the first two ODIs of the ongoing three-match series against West Indies. In the first ODI, India lost five wickets while chasing a modest total of 114 runs before suffering a crushing six-wicket loss in the second ODI.
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli rested for the clash, Hardik Pandya led a new-look side. However, the allrounder failed to inspire his team to a series-clinching win. India were bowled out for just 181 runs before West Indies chased it down with ease in the end. Barring Ishan Kishan who scored 55, no other Indian batter could make an impact with the bat.
Aakash Chopra criticizes Hardik Pandya:
With Team India facing severe criticism for two poor performances in a row, Aakash Chopra has pointed out that Hardik Pandya has managed to evade the criticism despite not doing well in recent times. The allrounder has had a poor campaign in the IPL this year where he scored 346 runs and picked up only 3 wickets in 15 innings.
In the ongoing series against West Indies, he has scored only 12 runs and picked up 1 wicket in 2 games so far. Highlighting Hardik Pandya’s poor performance in recent times, Aakash Chopra said in a video posted on his YouTube channel that he is also not sure about his batting position. He also spoke about the competition between Umran Malik and Shardul Thakur.
“Hardik Pandya’s poor form of late has gone under the radar. He did not have a great IPL. Personally, I don’t see clarity in his batting position. Shardul is well ahead of Umran Malik at this stage. But, to be fair, Umran is not getting a chance as well. He is only been given a couple of overs.”
“Hardik Pandya has not played cricket in June and barely some in July. Now there are talks going on about him being rested for the Ireland series. I am just wondering which direction are we headed towards. For full preparation, the entire team has to play together for as long as possible,” Chopra said.
The third and final ODI between India and West Indies is scheduled to take place on August 1 in Trinidad.
