Shardul Thakur cannot replace Hardik Pandya in T20 World Cup 2021. Chopra believes Thakur cannot be Hardik Pandya’s replacement in Team India’s playing XI. Thakur was included in Team India’s squad. Also, for the T20 World Cup 2021 at the expense of Axar Patel. The selectors took this call to include an additional seam bowler. When it was clear that Hardik might not be able to roll his arm over. In his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked. If Team India should consider form over reputation. Also, play Shardul Thakur or any other bowling all-rounder instead of Hardik Pandya.
“Shardul Thakur cannot play in place of Hardik Pandya. Where has the [Shardul] scored runs in T20s? For whom? He has not played a knock like that for CSK as well and let’s be honest, we don’t have an all-rounder,” Shardul Thakur said.
Aakash Chopra also added that Shardul Thakur has only shown his batting prowess. In the longest format of the game. Furthermore, he believes Hardik Pandya is the best Team India has at the No. 6 position.
Aakash Chopra
“Shardul cannot bat at No.6 and No.7 is also too high for him if you keep Jaddu at No.6. We have only seen his run-scoring form in Test cricket. So Hardik is certain to play,” Chopra said.
“It is not about form over reputation, it is just about what you have. So the expectation is, fingers crossed, that Hardik Pandya’s bat fires and makes a lot of noise, but you don’t have an option,” Chopra added.
Lastly, team India would surely have concerns. Around their 6th bowling option in case Hardik Pandya isn’t fit sufficient to bowl. However, the big-hitting all-rounder is improbable to be replaced by Shardul Thakur. It would compromise the batting profundity. However, Chopra added that he would still include Shardul Thakur. In India’s playing XI but at the expense of Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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