Hardik Pandya likely to be sidelined from Rohit Sharma-led India squad for T20 World Cup 2024 – Reports

Hardik Pandya has taken just three wickets in the ongoing IPL 2024 at an economy of 12.

India all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) captain Hardik Pandya might find himself out of the Indian squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. This report comes after India captain Rohit Sharma met with head coach Rahul Dravid and chief of selector Ajit Agarkar recently in Mumbai.

The trio discussed possible names for the Indian team for the ICC event which will be played in the USA and the West Indies in June this year. As per various media reports, the Indian selection committee will meet later this month to finalize the squad and how the hopefuls perform in the ongoing IPL will play a major role.

While many of the spots are reportedly confirmed including those of Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah, it remains to be seen who will be the pace bowling all-rounder in the team.

Hardik Pandya’s bowling a matter of concern for Team India management and selectors – Reports

In a meeting between India’s head coach Rahul Dravid, chairman of the selection committee Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma at the BCCI headquarters in Mumbai last week, it came to knowledge that a decision was made that Hardik Pandya must bowl consistently if he wants to make a comeback.

Pandya has had a disastrous IPL season, drawing negative reactions from fans who appear dissatisfied that he replaced Rohit as Mumbai Indians captain. His performances with bat and ball also are yet to meet expectations.

On Sunday night, MS Dhoni smacked him for three consecutive sixes in the penultimate over of the CSK’s innings, causing greater concern about him. He has bowled in only four of the six matches, and he has only completed his full four-over quota once. He presently has an economy rate of 12 and only three wickets to his name.

Pandya hasn’t been able to create impact with the new ball. And with the old ball, instead of depending on cutters, his stock deliveries have the risk of getting punished as Dhoni showed.

Selectors have shown interest in Shivam Dube, who has been wonderful for defending champions CSK. Aside from being a left-hander, Dube can pick spinners apart at ease, and this season, despite having two bouncers an over rule in place, he has improved his game against pace. His power-hitting provides a distinct advantage in the middle order.

The problem with Dube is that the Chennai Super Kings use him largely as an Impact Player, which means he is not required to contribute with the ball.

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