In response to Pandya’s selection for the T20 World Cup, Bhogle says, “If Hardik is not bowling…”

Since the start of the Indian Premier League 2024, Hardik Pandya, the new captain of the Mumbai Indians, has been the focus of attention. In fact, the supporters and critics questioned his captaincy abilities after MI lost three straight games.

Although the jeers from the crowd have subsided as a result of MI winning the last two games, there is still cause for concern regarding Hardik’s decision to bowl his entire time. Is he hurt? And would his batting ability be the only criteria used to choose him for the next ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024?

In the first few IPL matches, Hardik bowled three to four overs, but in the final three games, he underwent a transformation.

Simon Doull, a former cricketer from New Zealand who is now a broadcaster, claims that Hardik’s injury keeps him from bowling at his best right now.

According to Doull, “you go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required,” Cricbuzz reported.

“He’s got injuries. You need to know that there is a problem with him. He refuses to acknowledge it. But there’s no denying that he has a problem. My instinct tells me that,” he continued.

Notably, Harsha Bhogle, another well-known Indian pundit, even questioned whether Hardik, a pure batter, should be included in India’s T20 World Cup list. In response to his own question, he stated that Hardik won’t be selected because the team has more superior pure batters available.

“If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 World Cup squad?” Bhogle said during a Cricbuzz talk.

“Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling?” he asked himself in response. I’m not too sure about that because he needs to bat up where all the competition is if he isn’t bowling and finishing with as much power.”

IPL 2024: MI vs. CSK

The Chennai Super Kings, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, and the Mumbai Indians, led by Hardik Pandya, will face off at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

With six points, CSK is currently ranked third in the IPL 2024 point standings after winning three of their five games played. Their run-rate is +0.666 on a net basis.

Mumbai Indians, on the other hand, have two victories in five games and are ranked seventh with an NRR of -0.073.

In the 36 IPL matches that Chennai and Mumbai have played against each other, Chennai has won 16 of them while Mumbai has won 20.