Hardik Pandya Picked For T20 WC 'Under Pressure'; Rohit Sharma, Ajit Agarkar Against It: Report

16.05.2024 - 09:39 sports.ndtv.com

There have been rumours of a possible rift between Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya ever since the latter was appointed captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI) ahead of IPL 2024.

Hardik had replaced Rohit as MI captain after rejoining the franchise from Gujarat Titans (GT) during the trade window. However, it is safe to say that the move has backfired as MI are already out of the IPL 2024 playoffs contention.

Also, Hardik's performance this season has been mediocre to say the least. In 13 games, he has scored 200 runs at a strike-rate of 144.93, while also taking 11 wickets in 13 matches at an economy of 10.59.

Most of his good bowling performances have come in the latter half of the tournament. However, Hardik was still picked by the selectors in the 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup in the Americas.

cricket India Cricket Team Mumbai Indians IPL 2024 Rohit Sharma Hardik Pandya Ajit Agarkar India

As India all-rounder Hardik Pandya was picked for the T20 World Cup 2024, not many people were in agreement, considering the poor form he showed in the Indian Premier League campaign. As Mumbai Indians finished bottom of the 10-team points table, Hardik's performances as an all-rounder and a captain were questioned by many. However, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar doesn't think the selectors were wrong in picking the all-rounder for the T20 World Cup. In fact, Manjrekar highlighted Hardik's exceptional record in World Cups to back his selection.

6,6,6: Hardik Pandya Blitz In T20 World Cup Warm-up vs Bangladesh, Internet Astounded

The India vs Bangladesh T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York on Saturday had several positive for Rohit Sharma and Co. Rishabh Pant was back in India colours for a long time and he dazzled with a fine half-century. Though Virat Kohli did not play, Pant's innings as well as some fiery bowling from Arshdeep Singh assured the Indian team management that they are moving in right direction. Suryakumar Yadav too did well by scoring a 18-ball 31.

T20 World Cup: Rohit Sharma Can Single-Handedly Win Game For India, Says Shakib Al-Hasan

Ahead of their warm-up match against India, experienced Bangladesh all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has heaped praise on Men in Blue captain Rohit Sharma saying that he can change the result of a match single-handedly. Asian neighbours are scheduled to face each other in the warm-up match at Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York on Saturday. "I think the way he led India in the last few years was terrific. He has a tremendous record as a captain. I think all the players respect him as a leader of the team and he's someone who can take the game away from the opponent single-handedly," Shakib said in a Star Sports video posted on X.

India Selectors' Call To Include Hardik Pandya, 4 Spinners Questioned Ahead Of T20 World Cup

There was a lot of speculation surrounding Hardik Pandya's selection for the T20 World Cup 2024 but the Indian cricket team selectors showed their trust in the all-rounder by naming him vice-captain. They also opted for four spin options - Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja - which resulted in the exclusion of Rinku Singh. In an interview with Times Of India, former India manager and Tamil Nadu left-arm spinner Sunil Subramanian said that he believes India could have picked one less spin-bowling all-rounder and played Rinku instead. He further said that playing fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed in place of Hardik Pandya would have provided more balance to the side in the World Cup.

Trouble At T20 WC? Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma And Co. Concerned Over Average Facilities: Report. ICC Responds

The Indian cricket team on Wednesday started its preparations for the 2024 T20 World Cup in the USA. After the heartbreak of the ODI World Cup 2023, where India lost to Australia in the final in Ahmedabad, the 2024 T20 World Cup will provide Rohit Sharma and Co. a shot at redemption. India won the inaugural 2008 T20 World Cup but since then, it has always returned empty-handed. In fact, when it comes to ICC events, India have not been able to win a single trophy since clinching the 2013 Champions Trophy, when MS Dhoni was till the captain.

Inside India's Training For T20 World Cup: Jet-Lagged Bodies, Excited Hardik Pandya, Virat Kohli Missing

After two months of intense competitive cricket under night lights, the Indian cricket team, sans Virat Kohli, began its preparations for the T20 World Cup with a morning training session here, keeping in mind the 10.30am starts for all its preliminary games. Kohli took a break for personal work after RCB's IPL ouster and in all likelihood, he will join the squad by Friday. But it is not clear if he would be able to take part in the only warm-up game against Bangladesh on Saturday after a long flight.