Playing Hardik Pandya as a sixth bowling option against New Zealand might be a risky option for India, feels former pacer Ajit Agarkar ahead of the Super 12 contest between the two sides.
The 28-year-old Pandya hasn't rolled his arms for India in the tournament so far. Playing as a specialist batter, he scored 11 runs after coming in at the death.
Earlier this week, Pandya was spotted bowling in the nets but it is unlikely that the team management would assign him the duty of being India's sixth bowler against New Zealand.
“Yes, we did see Hardik in the nets. But he hasn't bowled in the last couple of months. And as a bowler, I know how difficult it is to come and bowl during a match,” Agarkar told ESPNCricinfo.
Question mark over Hardik Pandya's contribution
“So I feel this shouldn't happen where a bowler isn't fully fit and that costs you the game. And the bowler won't be at fault here. It will be a risky option expecting the bowler, who has been out for so many months, to perform after only two days of practice. That will surely not be my sixth bowling option hence India are likely to play with just five bowlers,” he added.
While Agarkar downplayed Pandya's chances of being a part of the bowling set-up, he suggested skipper Virat Kohli to contribute with "one or two" overs.
“Maybe if Kohli bowls one or two overs in between then that would be the best possible solution for India as of now. There is a question mark now how much Hardik can deliver as a bowler," Agarkar further said.
