Batting great Sunil Gavaskar suggested that Team India should draft Ishan Kishan in the playing XI in place of Hardik Pandya if the all-rounder is not fit to bowl against New Zealand in an ICC T20 World Cup 2021 clash. 

Hardik Pandya, not bowling fit along with his poor batting form has become one of the major concerns for the Virat Kohli-led side in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021.

The all-rounder struggled and failed to set the stage on fire with the bat and didn’t bowl a single over in Team India’s 10-wicket loss against Pakistan. 

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With Pandya, not delivering with the bat and ball, many fans and pundits are of the opinion that if all-rounder is playing as a specialist batter, he should be replaced by in-form Ishan Kishan who also scored a half-century in a warmup game against England. 

Sunil Gavaskar also feels the same, suggesting that game against New Zealand is a crucial match for Team India and they shouldn’t make changes in bulk but if Hardik Pandya is unfit to bowl, Ishan Kishan should replace him in the mix. 

"The game against New Zealand is crucial so you don't want to make too many changes because that would be a sign of panic. If Hardik Pandya cannot bowl then I would like to see Ishan Kishan coming in his place because he has been in very good form," Sunil Gavaskar told India Today. 

Gavaskar pointed out that Ishan Kishan can play the role of finisher for Team India and can also be the floater batting at No.4, 5 or 6. 

"Ishan Kishan can be the finisher that Hardik Pandya has been in earlier times for India but this time around in the IPL as well, his form was not there. So if Pandya is not going to be bowling then I think maybe Ishan Kishan would be a better option. He can be a floater batting at No. 4, 5 or 6," he said. 

Team India will face New Zealand on 31st October, in what will be a must-win clash for both the teams. 

(India Today inputs)