Since assuming the role of captain of the Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya has been the subject of much discussion. The dynamic all-rounder is currently facing challenges due to the booing from the fans. Furthermore, he is under pressure to perform with his bat or ball. Pandya has not performed as well as expected in the IPL so far. He is struggling to score runs or take wickets. Mumbai Indians are currently in seventh place in the points table with just three wins in eight games. His captaincy is also under scrutiny.
Hardik Pandya was previously considered a potential candidate for the role of captain for the 2024 World Cup. However, due to his decline in form, there have even been discussions of him being dropped from the World Cup squad. This article will examine four reasons why Hardik Pandya should be removed from India’s T20 World Cup squad.
He lacks experience in bowling
Pandya suffered an injury during the ODI World Cup 2023. He was subsequently included in the IPL roster. It is noteworthy that the all-rounder has bowled a mere 17 overs in eight matches, averaging just over two overs per match. His four wickets have been captured at an expensive economy of 10.94, with an average of 46.50. The lack of bowling may be advantageous for MI, given their depth of options with the ball. In the Indian setup, Pandya is a valuable asset, playing a crucial role as a third or fourth seamer. His two to three overs with the ball allow the captain to select an extra spinner for the side, providing stability. Pandya's form with the ball is crucial for his selection.
Pandya is a rare commodity in Indian cricket. He possesses skills that are uncommon among other players. He is one of the few fast-bowling all-rounders in India. Without bowling, he is only half the player he could be. A recent report suggests that the BCCI will only select Hardik Pandya if he is bowling consistently in the IPL. If this is true, Pandya must start delivering with the ball, or he may face dismissal.
No longer a finisher
Pandya has not yet demonstrated the ability to make impactful performances with the bat, especially at the death. As captain of the MI team, he has scored 151 runs in 8 matches at a poor average of 21.57. His strike rate is 142.45, which is below the average for a batter who bats in the death overs. In the last five overs of the 2024 IPL, Hardik Pandya has scored 40 runs in 24 balls, striking at 166.70 and being dismissed five times. He is struggling to clear the fence. Pandya has hit seven sixes and 12 boundaries in IPL 2024. He has a very high boundaries-per-ball ratio. Pandya is hitting boundaries per 5.33 balls faced, which is below the standard expected of a finisher.
Pandya has failed to close out two games with the bat this season. He failed to win the match for MI against his former side, Gujarat Titans, when 27 runs were needed off the last two overs. Even against Chennai Super Kings, the renowned finisher failed to deliver. He was dismissed for two runs when his team was in a position requiring him to close out the match in the final overs. The previous performance of Hardik Pandya, in his prime, would have resulted in victory.
With MS Dhoni's retirement, Hardik Pandya was the designated finisher of the Indian side. With the emergence of Rinky Singh and Ravindra Jadeja as effective finishers, the team management may look to alternative options if Pandya's performance does not improve.
A decline in returns against the spin
Hardik Pandya's arrival in the IPL was announced due to his ability to strike the ball hard. In his prime, Pandya used to consistently perform against spinners, never allowing them to settle. Pandya was once regarded as a significant threat to spinners. Pandya has consistently demonstrated his ability to keep spinners at bay, be it his famous onslaught against Imad Wasim in the 2017 Champions Trophy or a hat trick of sixes against Adam Zampa and Todd Astle. Since 2020, however, he has struggled badly against the spinners. In the last 5 years, Hardik Pandya has a strike rate of 126.48 against the spinners.
India now has a number of options for playing in that position. Therefore, it is important that Hardik Pandya develops his spin-hitting skills.
The rise of Shivam Dube
Shivam Dube has demonstrated remarkable performance for the Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL season. The left-handed batter has maintained his impressive form from previous seasons, accumulating 245 runs across seven innings at a commendable average of 49 and a striking rate of 157.05. His ability to score effectively and rapidly has positioned him as a pivotal player for the Super Kings. Dube’s performances have strengthened the Super Kings’ batting lineup, establishing him as a leading performer in the IPL.
The southpaw has notably improved his technique when facing fast bowling. Previously known for his ability to hit spinners well, the left-handed batsman has significantly enhanced his skills when batting against fast bowlers. His reliable performance makes him a strong contender for the T20 World Cup.
It is worth noting that Shivam Dube has not yet bowled in this IPL. During the international series before the IPL, he demonstrated excellent bowling technique, taking two wickets in the seven over bowled. Dube has a strong understanding of bowling techniques, including using cutters and pitch dimensions effectively. If he can demonstrate his bowling capabilities to the selectors, he will likely have the advantage over Hardik Pandya, given his current performance.