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'If Hardik Not Fit To Bowl, Don't Take Him For T20 World Cup' - Harsha Bhogle

Hardik Pandya is leading MI in IPL 2024 (x.com)Hardik Pandya is leading MI in IPL 2024 (x.com)

Hardik Pandya has been the talk of the town since the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 edition. Ever since the 30-year-old cricketer has been appointed the captain of Mumbai Indians (MI) in place of Rohit Sharma, he has received criticism and widespread disappointment from the fans. 

MI's new captain has been heavily booed in all the matches that he has played at different stadiums like Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad and also in Wankhede which is MI's home ground. 

Mumbai have had a disappointing start to their IPL campaign 2024, facing defeat in three consecutive matches raising questions about Hardik's captaincy. 

His all-round form and finishing ability are under scanner in IPL for his possible inclusion in India's World Cup squad 2024, that is likely to be announced by the end of April. 

However, in the last two matches, MI has pulled out a rabbit off their hat, beating Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in runfests. 


If Hardik is not bowling, does Hardik make the T20 WC squad?: Harsha Bhogle

Harsha Bhogle, the famous cricket commentator, raised a question about Hardik Pandya's recent form and fitness and his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad in June. 

Bhogle also pointed out the recent struggles of the all-rounder and stated whether Hardik deserves a place in the World Cup squad solely as a batter if he fails to bowl consistently. 

“Is he among the top six batters in India if he is not bowling? I’m not totally convinced of that because if he is not bowling and he is not finishing as powerfully, he needs to bat up, where all the competition is. So, for Hardik to go into the T20 WC, he has to be able to bowl four overs. I won’t be surprised if, coming out of that back injury, he is feeling a little ginger.”

He also highlighted that Hardik Pandya's all-round abilities can play a vital role in balancing team India's playing XI only if he is fully fit and can work on his all-round capability. 

Mumbai Indians will play its next match against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 14, 2024.