The selection panorama for India’s cricket team is often rife with speculation and scrutiny, particularly as marquee tournaments approach on the horizon. A key topic fuelling discussions this season is the potential fate of Hardik Pandya in India’s squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Eyes are invariably cast towards his performance in the Indian Premier League (IPL) as indicators of his readiness and form. It has been voiced that Pandya’s chances of clinching a berth in the prestigious tournament are tethered to his proficiency with the ball and his frequency at the bowling crease in the ongoing IPL season.
The strategic triumvirate comprising India’s captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and BCCI’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar convened at the BCCI’s base in Mumbai. The discourse that ensued placed considerable emphasis on the role of Hardik as a bowling allrounder in the T20 format. Considering his position as captain of the Mumbai Indians, there lies an expectancy for Hardik to deliver consistent and effective bowling spells throughout the IPL, thus cementing his case for World Cup selection.
Hardik’s stint with the ball kicked off with mixed results. In the first two matches for Mumbai Indians, he produced figures of 0/30 and 1/46 when pitted against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad respectively. However, he subsequently abstained from bowling in matches against Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. Returning to bowling duties against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings, his figures read 0/13 and 2/43, orchestrating a projection of a bowler still seeking his rhythm in this format.
Throughout these encounters, Hardik Pandya has managed to nab a modest tally of three wickets across the four matches he bowled. The notable concern is his economy rate, which soared to 12 runs per over, sparking alarm among pundits and fans alike. This ineffective bowling spell, when juxtaposed with the high octane nature of T20 cricket, could diminish the allrounder’s prospects for T20 World Cup contention.
Beyond bowling, Hardik’s batting prowess has similarly been under the microscope. The current season has seen him amass just 131 runs over six games, maintaining a strike rate of 145.55. However, this statistic does not provide a silver lining as it stands overshadowed by his struggle to regain the explosive form that had previously bolstered the Indian middle order.
Criticism has also targeted his leadership acumen, following Mumbai Indian’s tactics under his stewardship. Sunil Gavaskar and Kevin Pietersen were among the frontrunners expressing dissent, particularly after a defeat to Chennai Super Kings by a 20-run margin, at the Wankhede Stadium on April 14. Pietersen reproved Hardik for failing to disrupt the flow of the game by introducing spinners during a phase where Chennai’s batsmen were gathering runs with ease.
These developments point to a period of introspection and recalibration for Hardik Pandya. While his selection for the marquee event remains in a state of flux, it is evident that his contributions in the IPL will be closely monitored and evaluated in greater detail than ever before. As the tournament progresses, one thing is certain—his every move, every bowl, and every hit will be ancillary to his chances of donning the blue jersey at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to unfurl in the vibrant landscapes of the USA and the Caribbean.
