Hardik Pandya, the Indian all-rounder, suffered an injury in the opening game of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 against Pakistan, although he played against New Zealand. Hardik hasn’t been in great form recently and has struggled to score runs.
Hardik’s injury occurred when he was batting at the crease when a bouncer from Haris Rauf struck him in the shoulders. He was sent for a scan after the Indian innings, and it was eventually determined that he would be fit for the game against New Zealand, which was scheduled for seven days later.
Pandya scored 23 runs from 24 balls and bowled two overs conceding 17 runs against New Zealand. He will have a tournament to forget and Team India should soon look for a replacement.
Hardik Pandya’s replacement
Many have advocated for Shardul Thakur to be included in the team instead of Hardik Pandya, who has struggled with the bat and has only bowled two overs against New Zealand. Due to back problems, Pandya has been unable to bowl.
With his all-around ability, Shardul Thakur will be the best viable alternative for Hardik Pandya at the moment, and he can provide the wicket-taking option that India requires in the middle overs. India failed to take a single wicket against Pakistan in the first game and picked just two wickets against New Zealand in the second.
Ishan Kishan can also become a permanent replacement for Hardik Pandya. Ishan Kishan was in fine form in the 2nd leg of the IPL. He started very poorly in IPL 2021 after having a tremendous IPL 2020 but made a great comeback in the 2nd phase of IPL 2021.
Ishan Kishan is more of a pocket dynamo with an uncanny ability to knock massive sixes whenever he wants. His consistency has improved in recent games, and his presence might free up finishing chores for Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant. With Virat Kohli as the sixth option, the five-bowler hypothesis would be maintained.
Venkatesh Iyer of the Kolkata Knight Riders may be another option to replace Hardik Pandya. Iyer had a fantastic IPL 2021 season, amassing 193 runs in only five games, including two fifties. In Andre Russell’s absence, the left-hander, who bowls medium speed, has taken three wickets and bowled the tough overs for KKR.
Pandya’s form and fitness have been a big problem for Team India management and they should look for a replacement immediately.
