T20 World Cup 2022: "If Hardik Pandya is not in this team, you will be stuck" - Aakash Chopra on all-rounder's place in the Indian side
Aakash Chopra reckons that an Indian team without Hardik Pandya will come unstuck at the T20 World Cup 2022.
Hardik's fitness concerns proved to be one of the stumbling blocks for the Indian team at the last T20 World Cup. The all-rounder, who took a break from the game after the mega event, proved his fitness in IPL 2022 and has since become an integral part of India's T20I side.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra reflected on a couple of all-rounders who could get a place in India's middle order at the upcoming World Cup. He said the following about Hardik:
"Hardik Pandya, who has absolutely sealed the deal. In my opinion, there is no doubt. He not only brings wickets and runs, but he also brings the balance. If Hardik Pandya is not in this team, you will be stuck."
Chopra highlighted that the Gujarat Titans skipper is an invaluable asset for Team India. The cricketer-turned-commentator elaborated:
"He has played 13 matches since the T20 World Cup - 281 runs at an average of 31 and a strike rate of 140, with one fifty against England. He has picked up eight wickets. The IPL numbers are phenomenal, 487 runs at an average of 44, and eight wickets. Hardik Pandya is the most valuable player in Indian cricket at the moment."
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Hardik certainly lends the requisite balance to Team India. With his ability to bowl four overs, he gives the think tank the option to play an additional batter or a spinner if required.
"The numbers are not bad" - Aakash Chopra on Venkatesh Iyer's chances of making India's middle order
Speaking about Venkatesh Iyer, Chopra pointed out that the southpaw has a decent T20I record with the bat, observing:
"Venkatesh Iyer made his debut just after the World Cup. The numbers are not bad - 133 runs in seven innings at an average of 33 and a strike rate of 162."
While highlighting Iyer's dismal IPL 2022 numbers, Chopra reckons the Kolkata Knight Riders player is no longer in contention for a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad. The 44-year-old explained:
"But the IPL was very very bad. He scored 182 runs in 12 matches at an average of just 16 and a strike rate of 108. IPL 2021 was good and he got picked because of that but IPL 2022, I think Venkatesh is out of the race, unfortunate as it may be, but he won't be a part of the Indian team."
Iyer is unlikely to be in the Indian selectors' scheme of things for the T20 World Cup. The Madhya Pradesh cricketer has not played for Team India since IPL 2022, barring a couple of practice games against county sides during their tour of England.