No Replacement For What Hardik Pandya Can Do: Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar Backs India All-Rounder

Hardik Pandya has been off color in the ongoing IPL 2024 where he is captaining the Mumbai Indians. While with the bat, he has scored 197 runs at a strike rate of 150.38, it is his performance with the ball that is concerning. So far, from 10 matches, the right-arm fast bowler has taken six wickets at an average of 42.16 and an economy of 11.

His form with the ball will be vital to India's hopes of winning the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup. To be co-hosted by USA and West Indies. Pandya has been named in India's 15-man squad for the T20 showpiece and will also act as deputy to Rohit Sharma who will captain the side. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, selector Ajit Agarkar defended the decision to pick Pandya for the global event.

Agarkar claimed that currently, the skills that Pandya brings to the table are rare.

Agarkar said, “There has been no discussion on the vice-captaincy. “He (Pandya) has been through all the games for Mumbai Indians so far. We have a month and a bit before our first game. As long as he's fit, there's no substitute for what he can do." The ongoing IPL 2024 is Pandya's first major competitive tournament since he injured his ankle during an ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh last year. “He (Pandya) is coming after a long layoff. We hope he is working on it. Especially the way he bowls, he will give (captain) Rohit a lot of balance and options,” Agarkar said.

Agarkar also explained why KL Rahul missed out on a place in the World Cup squad.

“KL is a great player, we all know that. The thing is we were looking for guys who bat in the middle and KL bats at the top. We think Sanju has the potential to come down the order. Rishabh batting at 5, it was more to think about. Two incredible players too,” Agarkar said.