Sunil Gavaskar suggests two names who can replace Hardik Pandya as all-rounder in white-ball cricket

Former India cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has reckoned that team India has two back-up options of all-rounders in case Hardik Pandya isn’t fully fit. He suggested the names Deepak Chahar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar while backing their recent batting performances. 

Hardik Pandya emerged as one of the worst performers during the recently-concluded limited-overs series against Sri Lanka. The right-hander failed to impress in all the four matches that he played before missing out on the last two T20Is. Moreover, his form was a serious concern during his stint for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the first phase of IPL 2021 as well.

The cricketer-turned-commentator asserted that Deepak Chahar and Bhuvneshwar have got the abilities to bat well against any opposition. Chahar recently played a match-winning knock of 69* during the second ODI against SL while Bhuvi has consistently scored runs with the bat across all formats. 

“Of course, there is back-up. You recently saw Deepak Chahar; he proved that he can be an all-rounder. You did not give Bhuvneshwar Kumar that opportunity. Two-three years ago, when India played in Sri Lanka, then he along with Dhoni, had won India a match. The scenario in that match was similar to the second ODI. They had lost 7-8 wickets and Bhuvneshwar and Dhoni had won that match for India,” Gavaskar said on Sports Tak.

“If you give these guys opportunities, you can find all-rounders”

The legendary cricketer stated that there is no reason why Chahar and Bhuvneshwar can’t be groomed into proper all-rounders.

“You never even thought, but these two players could be all-rounders too. He has that batting talent. You’re only looking at one person. What has happened in the last 2-3 years is that others who deserved a lot more opportunities, haven’t got them. And that is why now today you are looking at one player and saying ‘oh he’s not in the form’. If you give these guys opportunities, you can find all-rounders,” he added.

Team India’s next international limited-overs match will be during the much-awaited ICC T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) later this year.

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