Three Potential Replacements for Hardik Pandya in Team India

Hardik Pandya is a wiry Team India all-rounder from Baroda. He is a modern icon of Indian cricket. The lad possesses a swashbuckling attitude apart from having a muscular, charismatic and swagger qualities.

India quite often found a shortage of an all-rounder when former World Cup-winning skipper Kapil Dev decided to hang his boots. Since then, India is continuously struggling to find a suitable replacement for his place.

Another all-rounder Irfan Pathan announced as his replacement. With his swinging ability both ways, he was handy with the bat as well.

In fact, he got to feature at number three spot in many games. Pathan displayed promise and determination through his bowling credentials and management, but he went off the radar. He lost his touch after a shorter duration. He lost his pace, and while rectifying that, Pathan lost the enthusiasm and zeal from his bat.

So much so, Pathan could not yield his same touch what he used to be in the past.

After a suitable period, Hardik announced his resurgence after having a good time in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

However, it seems difficult for him to live up as per the expectations of Indian management. On occasions, he seemed to have lost his line.

In this particular write-up, we will present the top three bowling all-rounders who have the potential to replace Hardik Pandya.

1. Kamlesh Nagarkoti:

Speedster Kamlesh Nagarkoti grabbed the attention after taking a hat-trick in Vijay Hazare Trophy. Kamlesh is a bowler who can clock around 150 kph.

In the Under-19 World Cup 2018 which India eventually won, he was clicking 145-plus kph on a regular basis. He took nine wickets in six matches with a bowling average of 16.33.

Besides this, his economy is around four. So far as his batting is concerned, he averages 40 in List A career. In the more extended run, he can give Hardik a run for his money. He averages just 30.29 in List A which is very low as compared to Nagarkoti.

Nagarkoti is one such possible candidate to make it to the Team India.

2. Ashish Reddy:

There is no second opinion that IPL is the best platform to showcase your talent. Ashish Reddy got a nod from the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in 2012, and he justified his selection. He became the poster boy for them as picked up 29 wickets in that particular season.

The 26-year old, Reddy made his debut in First-class cricket in 2012 for Hyderabad. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took a hat-trick against Goa. He can be a perfect replacement for Hardik Pandya.

3. Vijay Shankar:

In the second Test match against Sri Lanka, he got a call due to the absence of paceman Bhuvneswhar Kumar. Shankar is a reliable middle-order batsman who had a staggering average of around 50 in First-class cricket.

After some rejuvenation, Shankar got featured in the limited-overs format.

However, the lack of pace is the only concern that Shankar is having. However, in the recent outings in domestic, it seems that he has improved his speed while eyeing to cement his Team India place.