Asia Cup 2022: You take away Hardik Pandya from the Indian team and balance goes away – Ravi Shastri

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes if Hardik Pandya is left out of the Indian team, the balance goes away. Pandya has been doing a fine job for the Indian team in the recent past and he is delivering the goods with both bat and ball.

The all-rounder had scored 487 runs in 16 matches for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022 and played a key role in taking the team to glory in their maiden season. Since then Pandya has continued his good form while playing for the national team.

Furthermore, Pandya has also proven his bowling fitness in the recent past and he has been bowling consistently at around 140 kmph. The all-rounder adds a lot of balance to the team, especially while playing in foreign conditions and he is an asset.

Pandya has been growing in confidence in the recent past with his consistent performances and he will look to continue the same in the upcoming Asia Cup.

“He (Pandya) is one of the most important cogs in the wheel as far as India is concerned,” Shastri said in a press conference organized by Star Sports.

“You take him out of the squad and the balance goes away. That’s how important he is. You don’t know whether to play an extra batsman or an extra bowler.”

On the other hand, Hardik Pandya had played in the previous T20 World Cup purely as a batter and had not bowled because his bowling fitness was not up to the mark.

“We missed him really badly last year in the (T20) World Cup when he couldn’t bowl. It makes a massive difference. There is no one close to him when it comes to the quality that he possesses at that number. I think he is an extremely important player and has to be watched very closely. With the number of matches coming up, he is the last person you want to play in all those matches,” Shastri added.

Shastri wants the team management to look after Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya as both of them hold the key for the Indian team.

“Bumrah and Hardik need to be observed very carefully to ensure there is no breakdown. They are your two important players,” he said.

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against Pakistan on 28th August in Dubai.