Could these two take Hardik Pandya’s place?
In the last concluded ODI series played against Sri Lanka, Hardik Pandya has batted in two innings. In his second ODI, he was a bit off, but got a good start in the third game before getting out LBW.
After all, Pandya’s form has worried the entire Indian team as an all-rounder, who was incredible with bat and bow, winning them several matches, has started to struggle recently. Big shots were missing and his role with the ball was significantly limited after he had back surgery.
Not only that, but his effectiveness as a medium pacer also started to go down. In a recent ODI, he batted two innings, then in second, he was out for a duck. In third, he was out very soon to a turning ball by Praveen Jayawickrama, the left-arm spinner of Sri Lanka.
Similar happened back in the first T20I when Pandya got out for 10 and was unable to give India the blows they needed. Pandya won’t be able to just rely on his reputation alone as that won’t get him for now.
The pressure on him is only rising, so it might be the case that he will need a replacement or at least, back up soon. So far, Deepak Chahar and Bjuvneshwar Kumar are two players who have shown the capability for taking his place.
