‘If Hardik Pandya is not fit, where is your sixth bowling option?’ reckons Gautam Gambhir

‘If Hardik Pandya is not fit, where is your sixth bowling option?’ reckons Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir and Hardik Pandya

Gautam Gambhir and Hardik Pandya
Gautam Gambhir and Hardik Pandya

The Indian team suffered an embarrassing 66-run defeat in the inaugural game of the three-match ODI series against Australia. The home team outplayed the ‘Men in Blue’ in all three departments of the game. India’s playing XI also lacked the luxury of a sixth bowling option at the Sydney Cricket Ground. 

As a result, Virat Kohli’s men conceded 374 while bowling first against the Aussies. Former India opener Gautam Gambhir also highlighted India’s long going problem of the lack of sixth bowling option in the absence of Hardik Pandya. He said that the Indian team needs someone in the top six to chip in a few part-time overs.

“It’s been happening since what… the last World Cup. If Hardik Pandya is not fit, where is your sixth bowling option?” Gambhir said on ESPNCricinfo.

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“Yes, you can talk about putting in Manish Pandey, but again, even if Rohit Sharma comes back into the Playing XI, the problem which you’re facing right now, you will face it then as well because there is no one in the top six who can give you’re a couple of overs.”

Gambhir doubts the selection of Vijay Shankar as Pandya’s replacement

Vijay Shankar

Gautam Gambhir mentioned the presence of various all-rounders present in the current Australian ODI team. He stated how these players provide the much-needed balance to their side. The former India cricketer also expressed that Vijay Shankar as Hardik Pandya’s replacement doesn’t give him much confidence. 

“On the other hand, if you see, the Australian side, they’ve got Moises Henriques, who can give you a couple of overs, Sean Abbott, who’s a bowling all-rounder. They’ve got Daniel Sams, who can bowl and bat,” he added.

“From India’s point of view, if Hardik Pandya is not fit, where is your replacement? It’s only Vijay Shankar whom I can think of but does he have the same impact batting at No. 5 or 6. Can he give you 7-8 overs? I’ve got my doubts.”

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