T20 World Cup 2021: MS Dhoni Stood for Hardik Pandya
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Selectors wanted to send Hardik Pandya back but were stopped by MS Dhoni
According to a media report, Hardik was on the verge of being sent back to India by the All-India Senior Selection Committee following his poor form with the bat in the IPL. However, MS Dhoni in his capacity as a mentor of Team India is said to have insisted on keeping Hardik in the team, citing his ability to finish games.
Hardik the Bowler Has Been Absent Since Long
After his less than impressive performance in India’s first T20 World Cup match versus Pakistan, Hardik Pandya has attracted a lot attention for all the wrong reasons. The all-rounder has not been helped by the fact that he has not bowled a ball since the beginning of the second leg of the IPL.
Selection Committee Insider Reveals Truth
An insider from the selection committee has been quoted as saying to the media,
Former Selection Chairman Sandeep Patil Slams Selectors
The selectors were slammed by Sandeep Patil, former chairman of selectors, for including Hardik in team India without asking him to prove his fitness. In a media release, Patil is reported to have said,
Patil went on to say that someone had to be held accountable for the all-rounder’s inclusion in the side.
Pandya Spotted Bowling in the Nets
Ahead of India’s game versus New Zealand on 31 October at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Hardik was spotted bowling in the nets on Wednesday and could be asked to bowl a full quota of overs versus New Zealand. However, Cric-life learned that Pandya was asked to bowl again on Friday to help assess the player’s fitness and to decide whether to pick him for the New Zealand game.
Pandya Cleared to Play After Scans
Twenty-eight-year-old Pandya was hit on the shoulder when he batted versus Pakistan in India’s inaugural game. Visibly in pain, Pandya was sent for scans according to a statement by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Hardik who did not field in the match against Pakistan was subsequently cleared after undergoing MRI scans.
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