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Ravi Shastri Comments on How Pandya’s Bowling Absence Affects Team Balance
India’s standout all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, delivered a remarkable performance in the recent T20I against Sri Lanka. He scored a rapid 22 runs off just 9 balls in the rain-shortened match, helping India to a convincing seven-wicket victory and securing a 2-0 series win.
Despite his recent success, Pandya will not participate in the upcoming three-match ODI series due to personal reasons. Over the years, Pandya has struggled with fitness issues, leading him to step back from red-ball cricket to concentrate on the white-ball formats.
Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has expressed his desire for the 30-year-old to continue playing ODIs and to be included in the squad for the Champions Trophy. Pandya’s last ODI appearance was during the 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh, where an ankle sprain forced him out of the tournament.
Shastri also emphasized that Pandya’s reduced bowling in the fifty-over format poses a concern for India’s team balance. The lack of a full bowling contribution from Pandya could impact the team’s strategy and performance in the longer format.
“I believe it’s crucial for him to keep playing,” said Ravi Shastri, expressing his views in an interview with host Sanjana Ganesan. “Maintaining match fitness is vital, so he should participate in as many T20I matches as possible. If he feels strong and fit, he should also be considered for selection in the one-day squad.” Shastri emphasized the importance of continuous play for maintaining peak performance and readiness for various formats.
Ravi Shastri highlighted the significance of Hardik Pandya’s bowling in maintaining the team’s balance. “Bowling is crucial,” Shastri noted. “If a player can only deliver three overs when ten are needed in a one-day match, it disrupts the team’s balance. However, if Pandya can consistently bowl eight to ten overs per game while batting as effectively as he does, he will be a valuable asset in one-day cricket as well.” Shastri stressed the importance of Pandya’s all-round capabilities for the team’s overall performance.
