Why is Hardik Pandya considered essential for the Indian T20 team?

Hardik Pandya is considered essential due to his unique ability to contribute significantly with both batting and bowling, offering a balance few others can match.

What is the significance of the India vs New Zealand T20 series?

This series is India's final opportunity to test and finalize team combinations and player roles before the upcoming T20 World Cup.

What selection questions does India need to answer before the T20 World Cup?

India needs to decide on the optimal mix of bowlers, the right batting order, and which players to select given various form and fitness concerns.

Home / Sports / Pandya's Absence Leaves India Incomplete, Says Chopra

Pandya's Absence Leaves India Incomplete, Says Chopra

21 Jan

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Summary

Hardik Pandya's all-round skills are irreplaceable for India.
New Zealand series is crucial for finalizing India's T20 World Cup team.
Player selection and batting order remain key questions for India.

Pandya's Absence Leaves India Incomplete, Says Chopra

Aakash Chopra, a former India opener, believes Hardik Pandya's presence is essential for India's T20I lineup, emphasizing his singular value with both bat and ball. The upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand is crucial for India as they finalize their team strategy ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Chopra highlighted that Pandya's ability to bowl with the new ball and at the death, alongside his batting prowess, makes him a unique asset. The series against New Zealand will help India's management address key selection dilemmas, such as the ideal balance of pacers and spinners, and the batting order, especially with players like Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh vying for spots.

The former opener also noted the growing 'fear factor' associated with Abhishek Sharma's T20 batting. Additionally, Chopra offered tactical advice for captain Suryakumar Yadav, suggesting he play straighter shots earlier in his innings to leverage his 360-degree game.