T20 World Cup 2021: Salman Butt Recommends Bringing In Shardul Thakur For Hardik Pandya Ahead Of New Zealand Clash

Former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt suggested dropping an unfit Hardik Pandya in favour of bowling all-rounder, Shardul Thakur, ahead of India’s crucial Super 12 tie against New Zealand in the ongoing T20 World Cup.

Hardik hasn’t delivered with the ball yet, and the lack of a sixth bowling option has been haunting the team for a while now. Thakur could well be the perfect replacement for the 27-year-old Hardik, and India should certainly consider it, according to Butt.

“If Hardik isn’t fit, they should bring in Shardul Thakur because he has been bowling good, and is also contributing efficiently with the bat. I saw him play some very good knocks in Australia, but the guy is not fit. In such a scenario, you ensure not to put too much pressure on your problem areas,” Butt said in a video on his YouTube channel.

Team India should utilize Ishan Kishan – Salman Butt

Further, Salman Butt asserted that it’s extremely crucial for India to utilize in-form opening batsman, Ishan Kishan. The youngster has been performing brilliantly of late, but unfortunately, India has two openers, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, who cannot be dropped from the team.

“I’ve been saying for a long time that I<!---->s<!---->h<!---->a<!---->n<!----> <!---->K<!---->i<!---->s<!---->h<!---->a<!---->n has been in good form and Team India should utilize him. They should also bring in Ravichandran Ashwin, he’s a proper spinner. He is a wicket-taking bowler and his inclusion also increases their batting depth,” Butt concluded.

Team India faces New Zealand tonight at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in their second match of Group 2. A loss for either side will seriously dent their hopes of making it to the semifinals.

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