Well before the competition began, the pick of all-rounder Hardik Pandya in India’s T20 World Cup lineup was challenged. The speculation about his inclusion in the team grew after he was haven’t seen bowling in the 2nd leg of the Indian Premier League, followed by 2 practice games versus England and Australia in preparation for the Super12s. Here is why Dhoni Insisted Selectors To Consider Hardik In T20 WC Squad.

Pandya has kept playing as a dedicated hitter in the team during the main stage of the competition, as he did versus Pakistan. Pandya has been approved to play in India’s next match versus New Zealand on October 31 after being struck on the shoulder versus Pakistan and missing the 2nd half of the match after undergoing scans.

Selectors wanted to send Hardik back to India after he didn’t bowl in the IPL

According to recent news, the national selectors opposed picking the all-rounder in the starting lineup; but, Team India mentor and former captain MS Dhoni pushed on considering Pandya for his finishing ability.

“The truth is that the selectors wanted to send him back to India after he didn’t bowl in the IPL, but MS Dhoni (appointed Team India mentor) vouched for his finishing skills,” a source said.

Dhoni Insisted Selectors To Consider Hardik

“The whole mystery around his fitness has been going on for the last six months. You’re now saying that he has a shoulder injury. In the bargain, you aren’t giving a chance to a fit guy. You’re playing an unfit guy who isn’t useful to the team. It’s not right. Because of him, you’re neglecting other fit guys who have been performing well,” he further added.

India included all-rounder Shardul Thakur in the lineup at the exclusion of Axar Patel, who was dropped to a reserve position prior to the tournament’s commencement. Thakur, unfortunately, did not play in India’s tournament-opening match versus Pakistan on October 24 in Dubai.

Pandya, who was last bowled in an overseas series versus Sri Lanka in July, was observed bowling in the nets on Wednesday, strengthening his chances for participation versus New Zealand.

Also read: T20 WC- Big Concern For Me Is India’s Bowling: Sanjay Manjrekar