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Following India's crushing 10-wicket defeat to arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening game of the 2021 World Cup, ex-India cricketer Dilip Doshi has lashed out at Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, saying that both current cricketers are "playing based on their past reputation."
The star Baroda all-rounder delivered mediocre performance in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) edition and his inability to roll his arms in the Indian jersey put him under the scanner.
Hardik hasn't bowled in a T20 game since the home series against England. He was also inefficient in the Pakistan contest, managing to notch up just 11 runs off eight deliveries.
The 28-year-old Hardik has been struggling to bowl since his acute lower-back injury. His inclusion to the Indian set-up as a sixth bowlers can give the Virat Kohli-led side an extra cushion in the ongoing T20 showpiece event.
Hardik needs to perform with consistency
Doshi called for the inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur, also explaining the reason behind his suggestions.
"It’s true that some people are playing based on their past reputation. Players like Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar haven’t performed to their full potential for some time now. (Ravichandran) Ashwin should play every game because he’s the world’s best spinner at present. You cannot afford to drop him," said Doshi in an interview with Sportskeeda.
The former left-arm bowler also singled out Deepak Chahar, saying that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) bowler also deserved a place in the Indian squad. Just like Hardik, Bhuvenshwar hasn't been imposing with the ball. He has managed to pluck just nine wickets in as many T20Is in 2021 so far.
"Hardik Pandya has outstanding potential and needs to focus on his ability to perform with consistency. By bowling in the 130 km speed zone, Bhuvi is unable to put pressure. Shardul should definitely play because he has been in good touch of late and is an outstanding cricketer. Deepak Chahar, too, deserved a place in the squad. I also feel Jadeja’s bowling has gone down over the past few years. He is an outstanding cricketer but needs to reflect and improve his bowling to play to his full potential," Doshi further said.
