Hardik Pandya Important for India’s World Cup Balance, Says Ganguly
Hardik Pandya is still essential to India’s preparations for the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, according to Sourav Ganguly. The former captain of India emphasised that one of the main issues facing the team management and head coach Gautam Gambhir is getting Pandya healthy and accessible.
Although Sourav Ganguly admitted that Pandya does not play enough cricket, he underlined that his inclusion in the team is crucial to India’s balance.
In an interview with JioStar after the 2027 World Cup schedule was revealed, Ganguly outlined India’s options in the event that Pandya sustains an injury.
He stated that Nitish Reddy was the next best option, but he included a clause that would be applicable if Reddy were to be Pandya’s backup. Getting Gambhir fit on the pitch is one of the team’s and his major challenges. He doesn’t play enough cricket, in my opinion, but India needs to strike the correct balance.
Hardik Pandya is crucial to India’s balance in the World Cup, in my opinion.
Nitish Reddy is the next best choice if Hardik is hurt. However, Nitish Reddy must play all cricket until the World Cup if they must consider him as a backup to Hardik Pandya.” In the aforementioned source, Ganguly stated:Another alternative is Jadeja, who is now playing against the West Indies and is a fantastic batsman at number seven, if they will consider him.
But since none of the top five hitters in South Africa bowl in October, I believe you will need a seamless all-rounder. You will therefore need to find a fifth or sixth bowling alternative. Therefore, India needs to locate the ideal person in that sector. And for that reason, Pandya is crucial,” he continued.
Ganguly’s focus on a seaming all-rounder is a reflection of India’s unique needs for the October conditions in South Africa. The former captain noted that finding a fifth or sixth bowling option from the middle order is crucial because none of India’s top five batsmen bowl. Pandya’s dual role as a batter and bowler makes him essential to the team’s structure, as this structural need highlights.
In the event that Pandya is unable to play, Ganguly named Nitish Reddy as the main backup. However, he emphasised that Reddy must perform regularly in all formats before the World Cup.
Another possibility was Ravindra Jadeja, whose batting ability at number seven and present participation in India’s series against the West Indies were noted by Ganguly.
Ganguly also talked about India’s tournament opener match, pointing out a big change in the scheduling strategy. He applauded the choice to start India against Australia instead of Pakistan, which is the customary matchup in World Cup competitions. Ganguly discussed the current level of rivalry between the two countries and provided an explanation for the development.
We are too accustomed to India opening against Pakistan, so it is good to see them start against Australia. At any point, you must play two strong teams. Whether it happens first or later is irrelevant. I believe the ICC has understood that, in terms of level of competitiveness, India-Pakistan is no more the India-Pakistan game.
“India has been defeating Pakistan for a long time, and Pakistan is too weak,” Ganguly stated.In fact, I’m excited for the match between South Africa and India, which is likely to happen in the second round. Right now, South Africa is a gun squad. They have defeated Australia, yet many of the regulars are not even in the team that is currently playing them.
A World Cup held in South Africa would also be fantastic. Last year, I participated in SA20, and the franchise tournament had an incredible participation. “Every stand and every ground was full,” he continued.
Despite the absence of several regular players from their current lineup, South Africa is still a formidable side, and Ganguly showed a special interest in the match between India and South Africa.
Also Read : Harry Brook Will Deliver England a White-Ball Trophy, Says Vaughan
The former captain highlighted the tournament climate in South Africa by drawing on his expertise with the SA20 franchise league and anticipating that this match will take place in the second round of the competition.
