Hardik Pandya (L) and Virat Kohli© AFP
It has been a horrible IPL 2024 campaign for Indian cricket team all-rounder Hardik Pandya and his disappointing run of form has resulted in major questions over his possible inclusion for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. Hardik dominated headlines ahead of the IPL 2024 season as he completed a sensational trade from Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. Things heated up even more when he ended Rohit Sharma‘s ten-year tenure as MI captain – a decision that was not taken well by a section of their fanbase. Questions over Hardik’s leadership, rumours of a rift with Rohit and speculations over how other players will react to the decision became prime fodder for media reports following the move.
The situation got worse as MI slumped to three defeats on the trot at the start of the competition and the skipper was booed by a part of the crowd at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The five-time champions did find some form in the competition but it was not enough as they are currently languishing in ninth position in the IPL 2024 points table with just 6 points from 9 games.
Hardik’s performance as a player has also left a lot to be desired for the MI fans as he scored just 197 runs in 9 matches and with the ball, he took 4 wickets at an exorbitant economy rate of 11.95.
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024 squad announcement, NDTV Sports conducted a poll to see what the fans think. According to the poll, which was conducted on NDTV Cricket’s WhatsApp channel, the fans think that Hardik should not be a part of the Indian cricket team for the competition.
Here’s a look at the poll –
While the numbers may not be in Hardik’s favour, the TINA (There Is No Alternative) factor continue to keep him in contention. A medium pacer all-rounder is a rare commodity for the Indian cricket team and considering the fact that there are no other choices, the selectors may end up choosing him.
At present, it looks like the selectors will go with three specialist fast bowlers and with other all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel providing only spin options, Hardik can end up getting selected as the fourth pace option and a middle-order batter capable of finishing matches.
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