MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli
MS Dhoni, Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli. (Photo: Twitter)

Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has opined that all-rounder Hardik Pandya should be part of India’s playing XI in the match against Pakistan because he can make the game one-sided if he performs well with the bat.

India National Cricket Team is placed in the Group 2 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 along with Pakistan, New Zealand, Afghanistan, Scotland and Namibia. The Men In Blue will commence their Super12s journey with a battle against arch-rivals Pakistan on 24 October in Dubai.

Virender Sehwag
(Image Credit: Twitter)

Hardik Pandya hasn’t bowled for quite some time now, and many believe that Pandya playing as a pure batsman will not benefit India. However, Sehwag said that Pandya has the ability to finish off the match with the bat and if bowls, it’s “icing on the cake”.

He’ll be on my team. The kind of batter he is, if he clicks, he’ll make the match one-sided, and finish it. He has the ability, which he has shown many times. Yes, if he was bowling fit, that would have been the icing on the cake,” Sehwag was quoted as saying in Cricbuzz.

India Should Go With Five Bowlers Plus, Hardik Pandya Or Someone Else Who Bowls A Few Overs – Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag (Image Credit: Twitter)

Former Indian opener believes that India should go with 5 bowlers plus Hardik or someone who can bowl a few overs in the playing XI in the match against Pakistan. He said:

You should go with five bowlers plus if Hardik Pandya or someone else from the top-order bowls a few overs, it’ll be the perfect team for me.”

Hardik Pandya, T20 World Cup 2021
Hardik Pandya (Image Credit: Twitter)

Sehwag added that only if Hardik Pandya is completely out of form then only India should look for other choices available in the camp. He asserted:

His batting is surely a concern. If he’s not in form or not batting well in the nets, then you can maybe see another batter, otherwise, he’ll be my first pick,” 

Also Read: IND vs PAK: 3 Matches Where Pakistan Has Beaten India In A Multi-Nation Tournament In Recent Times

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Sonanchal Gautam is the Assistant Content Manager at Cricketaddictor. He is a professional Wrestling and Hip-hop enthusiast.