Hardik Pandya was dropped from India's squad for the ongoing NZ T20Is.
Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir feels all-rounder Hardik Pandya can make a comeback into the Indian T20I side if he finds his rhythm and starts bowling regularly.
Hardik Pandya's inability to bowl was one of the major concerns for Team India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The all-rounder despite not being 100% fit, was selected in the Indian squad for the tournament and didn’t bowl a single over in the two warmup games and the first match against Pakistan.
He, however, chipped in with the ball in the next few games but his performance wasn’t up to the mark, which saw him getting omitted for the squad against New Zealand in the ongoing T20I series at home.
With Hardik Pandya not finding himself in the Indian squad for the T20I series against New Zealand, many fans believe that all-rounder will find it difficult to make a comeback in the team as his fitness status is unknown and youngsters grabbing their opportunities will make it even more difficult for Hardik to find a place in the team.
Speaking to Star Sports, Gautam Gambhir said that people cannot count Hardik Pandya just yet. He remarked that people have already started writing him off but he keeps himself fit and bowls regularly, he’ll make a comeback on the side.
"You can't find his replacement for the no. 6 spot in one day. And you cannot count out Hardik just yet. People have already started writing him off; but if he can keep himself fit and also bowl regularly, he should definitely get a chance to make his comeback as he is still young," Gautam Gambhir said.
Gambhir talked about the importance of giving new players a longer rope. He said this will not only help them understand their abilities but also make it easier for India to zero down on a set playing 11.
“Also, if you give chances to other players as well, the management should give them a longer rope. This will help them to understand their capability. If you keep on changing your team for every series, you will struggle to find a strong playing XI.
"And considering the amount of cricket we play in India, no one is invincible or indispensable in the team as there is a replacement for every player. But the players should have the backing of the board for a longer duration," he said.
(Star Sports inputs)