T20 World Cup 2024: Hardik Pandya's India selection doesn't sit right with Irfan Pathan, bashes selectors
Updated - 02 May 2024, 12:00 PM
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Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has become a critic of Mumbai Indians (MI) skipper Hardik Pandya. Irfan Pathan questioned Hardik Pandya's consistency and commitment to the Indian cricket team. Pathan stated that Pandya returned to the Indian side for the T20 World Cup without performing.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC tournament. Hardik Pandya was named as the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team. The all-rounder also served as vice-captain of the national team during last year's ODI World Cup at home.
The 30-year-old last played for India in the ODI World Cup 2023. Pandya suffered an ankle injury during a match against Bangladesh and was ruled out of the tournament. He made his comeback to competitive cricket by representing the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.
Questions Arise Regarding Hardik Pandya's Performance - Irfan Pathan
Speaking on Star Sports, Irfan Pathan highlighted that selectors intended to build a younger team with Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav as potential captains after the 2022 T20 World Cup. Pathan stated that Hardik returned to the team without proper planning and consistent matchplay.
“Previously, Hardik Pandya held the captaincy, but Rohit Sharma took over for T20 matches. Post T20 World Cup, there was a new plan; they aimed for a younger team with Pandya and Surya as potential captains. Yet, questions arise regarding Pandya's performance consistency and commitment to Indian cricket," Pathan told Star Sports.
"Regular participation in domestic cricket is essential for serving Indian cricket throughout the year. Injuries are inevitable, but proper planning involving consistent match play, including domestic cricket, is vital for a player's return. But then there's this one player who returns from injury without fulfilling the same requirements," he added.
Hardik Pandya has scored 197 runs at an average of 21.89 and a strike rate of 150.38 in 10 matches in the IPL 2024. He has taken just six wickets at an average of 42.16 and an economy rate of 11. The Mumbai Indians have won only three out of their 10 games under Pandya's captaincy.
Jasprit Bumrah Wouldn't Have Been A Bad Choice - Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan suggested that the selectors should have picked Jasprit Bumrah as Rohit's deputy for the World Cup. Pathan acknowledged the importance of continuity in leadership, but he stated that Bumrah could have been a better choice.
"To succeed in tournaments like the World Cup, it's imperative that every player is treated fairly and equally. So, now, coming back to your question about Hardik Pandya being vice-captain, I understand the rationale behind it due to the importance of continuity in leadership. However, considering the current performance, the selectors opting for continuity may be understandable. Yet, I believe someone like Bumrah wouldn't have been a bad choice either,” Pathan concluded.
Team India has failed to secure the ICC Trophy since their victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy. The Men in Blue, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, will aim to end this drought in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
