India vs Australia 2019: 3 accidental opportunities created by Hardik Pandya’s injury just ahead of the World Cup
India is a country where the game of cricket is considered to be a religion and the players are worshiped like demi-gods. It's no surprise then that they have produced some great cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and many more.
Though these legends can't ever be replaced, there have been some talented players who have somewhat replicated the quality work of their predecessors - except for the dashing all-rounder Kapil Dev. Despite a lot of efforts, Team India has not been able to find a player anywhere close to Kapil's all-around ability.
Over the years there have been rays of hope in form of Ajit Agarkar, Stuart Binny and Irfan Pathan, but all of them disappointed with their inconsistent performances in the long run. Now after a long time, Team India finally appears to have discovered a genuine fast bowling all-rounder, Hardik Pandya.
As expected, Pandya's emergence has provided the team with much-needed balance. But just when the Men in Blue looked all settled and ready for the most important cricketing tournament, the ICC World Cup 2019, the 25-year-old Baroda player is out of the team once again due to lower back issues.
Though this is certainly a big setback for India for the home series against Australia, at the same time it gives the team management a few accidental opportunities to review their other options. With less than hundred days remaining for the marquee event, the team management should look to capitalize on this unfortunate incident and work on their back-up plans.
Here are the 3 accidental opportunities created by Pandya's injury:
1. A wake-up up call for a contingency plan for the all-rounder spot
Despite the recent injury, the all-rounder is very much in the scheme of things for the World Cup. In fact, his pace bowling ability, especially on English conditions, along with his exceptional hard-hitting skills at the back end of the innings, make him an extremely vital member of the team.
However, considering his recent spate of back injuries, it is very much possible that he may not play the tournament or may even break down during the event. And therefore, as much as it is important to have back-up players for key spots - openers, wicket-keeper, spin bowler, and fast bowler, considering Pandya's recent fitness concerns, it is equally important that the team management should have a decent back up available to replicate his all-around skills.
At this stage, Pandya's injury should be acknowledged as a wake-up call. With still a bit of time remaining for the World Cup, it gives the team management an opportunity to look beyond Pandya and prepare themselves for life without his services at the World Cup.