T20 World Cup 2021: Aakash Chopra says Hardik Pandya not bowling is a big concern for Virat Kohli and co

India to face Pakistan on Oct 24 in Dubai in T20 World Cup 2021.

Aakash Chopra, former India opener-turned-analyst, has said that Virat Kohli and the Indian team have a huge concern to take care of ahead of their T20 World Cup 2021 opener against Pakistan on October 24.

India has defeated England and Australia in their two warmup games in the tournament while they wait to face off against the archrivals in Dubai on Sunday and Chopra felt the lack of a sixth bowler with Hardik Pandya, not bowling is a major point of concern for the Indian team.

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While Pandya’s batting prowess and ability to hit big shots in the death overs make him a difficult player to be left out, Chopra feels with him not bowling, Kohli needs to make major tweaks in his playing XI or even bowl himself as he did against Australia.

“Hardik Pandya not bowling is a big concern because India will have to go in with only five bowlers and won’t have a sixth option. Virat Kohli might have to bowl, like in 2016. That is something that is going to hurt India. If Hardik can somehow start bowling a few overs, it will be very good for India. In T20s, you want that extra bowling option up you sleeve," Chopra said in a video uploaded on his YouTube channel.

“I only see Ravichandran Ashwin playing if India go in with three spinners or there are too many left-handers in the opposition. (Ravindra) Jadeja will definitely play. He has grown in stature as a bowler but he is not your gun T20 bowler," he added.