Gautam Gambhir believes that if the right choice of ‘half fit’ Hardik Pandya is not found, the Indian team will not be able to balance. Pandya’s alternative Vijay Shankar is not as effective.
Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that there will be no balance in the Indian team if the ‘half fit’ Hardik Pandya is not given the right option, as Pandya’s substitute Vijay Shankar is not as effective.
Pandya is currently in the team only as a batsman and is not in a position to bowl. India missed the sixth bowler in the first ODI against Australia, in which India suffered a defeat by 66 runs.
Gambhir, who was the hero of India’s victory in the World Cup twice, told ESPN Cricinfo, “The problem of balance has been seen since the last World Cup itself. Hardik is not able to bowl, so who is your sixth bowler?
He said, ‘Vijay Shankar is, but he is not that effective at number five or sixth. Can he bowl seven or eight overs. I do not think so.’
Gambhir said that this problem will not be solved even on the return of an opener like Rohit Sharma. He said, ‘You can talk about the inclusion of Manish Pandey. Or even if Rohit returns, this problem will remain. None of the top six batsmen can bowl. ‘
He said, ‘Look at the Australian team. Moises Henriques can bowl a few overs. Sean Abbott is an all-rounder and also Daniel Symes.
