Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been on the receiving end of criticism from fans and former cricketers. He has found support from few former cricketers including legendary Sunil Gavaskar and Wasim Jaffer. Now, the chairman of selection committee Ajit Agarkar has put his weight behind the struggling Mumbai Indians (MI) captain. He also quashed reports of Rishabh Pant taking over vice-captaincy from Hardik who has led India in 16 T20Is.
"There has been no talks about the vice captaincy - what Hardik brings as a cricketer, it's tough to replace - he gives lots of options to the captain as well and he is just coming back after a long break. There are no replacements for the things he can do," Agarkar said in the press conference in Mumbai on May 2.
Skipper Rohit Sharma expects Pandya and Shivam Dube to play similar roles and contribute with the ball. He is happy with Hardik’s bowling and the fact that he has not had any fitness issues in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 since his return to the side.
“Expect them to do what they are in IPL. Shivam hasn’t bowled in IPL but he’s a seasoned cricketer who’s bowled a lot in red-ball. When he plays in t20, it is about skills coming into the picture. Such players have chances of success. If we need Shivam to bowl few overs he will be. Same with Hardik as well; he has been bowled regularly in IPL. Like Ajit said, he’s played all games. Fitness wise no issues. We’ll be looking forward to contributions from these 4 guys and all of us as well," he said.
Hardik’s form in IPL 2024
Hardik has scored 197 runs from 10 games at an average of 21.89. His strike rate is 150.38. With the ball, he has picked up six wickets at an average of 42.17 and his economy rate is 11 runs per over. His best performance of 2 for 26 came against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). On the other hand, Dube has been exceptional with the bat. He got to bowl against Punjab Kings (PBKS) and got Jonny Bairstow’s wicket with the second ball he bowled.
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