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India faced a humiliating loss by 10 wickets against the arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday. Plenty of team selections, especially, Hardik Pandya's inclusion were questioned by the fans and cricket pundits after the defeat. On Aajtak’s show when the veteran Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh was asked about his views on the team selection and Pandya’s place in the playing XI, the off-spinner backed the all-rounder’s ability to change the game.
“I feel team’s balance is very good, I didn’t feel balance was not good enough at any time, batters were proper, bowlers were proper. They have played a significant amount of cricket and they are very experienced. Apart from that, it would’ve been ideal if Hardik Pandya could have bowled a couple of overs.” Harbhajan said.
“Still, on number 6 he is dangerous than any other batter. He has the capability to hit long shots down the order and can score big. So combination, I believe was alright. If Hardik Pandya is fit, he should still play at 6 as he is a big match-winner,” the off-spinner added.
Commenting on whether Ishan Kishan should play the next match or not, Harbhajan felt that he should be a part of the playing 11 as an opener along with the India’s vice-captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul should bat down the order.
“Ishan can play as an opener along with Rohit, Virat at 3, KL at 4, Pant will remain at 5 and if Hardik Pandya is fit, I will go with him on number 6. But if Hardik Pandya is not available Suryakumar Yadav can play at 5, Rishabh at 6, Ravindra Jadeja at 7 and Shardul Thakur at 8. It will be a good change if it happens because he (Shardul) is playing really good cricket. He is high of confidence and has won the championship (IPL) in recent past. I feel India should definitely go with him,” the 41-year-old concluded.
