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Two days after India announced their squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar, joined by captain Rohit Sharma, held a press conference to address queries about the team selection, notably focusing on the decision to include Hardik Pandya in the lineup.
Hardik Pandya: Form and IPL 2024 performance assessment
Hardik, who is weathering a challenging Indian Premier League (IPL ) 2024 season as the captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), not only secured a berth in the national squad for the upcoming tournament but also assumed the role of the team’s vice-captain, a decision that raised eyebrows among many observers.
During Hardik’s leadership stint with Mumbai in the ongoing IPL season, he has struggled to meet expectations, particularly in the bowling department. Across eight matches out of ten, he has bowled a total of 23 overs, managing a mere six wickets while conceding runs at an economy rate of 11. In terms of batting performance, Hardik has accumulated 197 runs at an average of 21.89 and a strike rate of 150.38 in the IPL 2024. Notably, he has yet to register a half-century in the ongoing season. Hardik’s last appearance in an international fixture for India dates back to the ODI World Cup match against Bangladesh in October 2023.
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Ajit Agarkar addresses Hardik Pandya’s inclusion in T20 World Cup 2024 squad
Agarkar responded to queries about the vice-captaincy, stating that there were no discussions on the matter. During the conference, he elaborated on Hardik’s form, stressing his importance to the team and the potential he brings. Agarkar played down Hardik’s inconsistent performance in IPL 2024, citing his return from a lengthy injury break.
“Not really. Nothing was discussed with regard to being vice-captain. You want everyone to be in good form. The good part is that he has gotten through all the games for MI, and we have a month and a little bit. We know he is doing that and hope he keeps building on that form. I don’t think there is a replacement for the things he can do. He gives the team balance, and Rohit the option to play different combinations. Fortunately, he has gone well this IPL thus far,” Agarkar was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.
