No replacement for Hardik Pandya: Ajit Agarkar justifies T20 World Cup vice-captain pick

Chairman of BCCI’s senior selection committee, Ajit Agarkar, justified Hardik Pandya’s selection as the vice-captain of the Indian team for T20 World Cup 2024. Agarkar played down concerns around the MI captain’s form, saying there’s no replacement for Hardik’s all-round ability. The BCCI announced India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup and Hardik was named as deputy to captain Rohit Sharma.

While addressing a press conference about India’s T20 World Cup squad on May 2, Agarkar talked about Hardik’s importance in the team and what he could bring to the table. He brushed aside Hardik’s inconsistent run in IPL 2024, noting that the all-rounder had returned from a long injury layoff.

“Not really, nothing discussed in regards to vice-captaincy that is one answer. Form. I mean you want all guys to be in good form. I think he has come after a long-ish layoff. The good part that we have looked at is that he has got through all the games so far for MI. We have got a month and a little bit till we play our first game,” Agarkar said.

Hardik made a return to the IPL 2024 after recovering from the ankle injury he suffered during the ODI World Cup, during India’s match against Bangladesh on October 19 in Pune. Hardik was running hard yards in the gym to regain his fitness, just in time ahead of IPL 2024. However, he has not been able to impress with his batting or bowling this season.

T20 World Cup press conference: Highlights

In 10 matches, he has managed to score 197 runs at an average of 150.38. The all-rounder has picked only 6 wickets at an economy rate of 11.00. MI stand at the 2nd last position in the points table with just 3 wins in 10 games.

WHAT MAKES HARDIK IRREPLACEABLE IN TEAM?

Agarkar wanted Hardik to build on his form and focus on his fitness ahead of the marquee tournament. He mentioned about the all-round abilities of Hardik, which made him an irreplaceable asset of the team.

“So we know he is doing that and the hope is that he will keep on building on that form. So as long as he stays fit, we know what he brings, how much balance he gives the team. I don’t think there is any replacement for the things that he can do as a cricketer at the moment. Especially with the way he bowls, it brings a lot of balance. I think it will give Rohit options to play more combinations. So, his fitness for us is critical and, so far, fortunately, he has gone okay in this IPL.”

Hardik will look to move ahead from his ongoing IPL form and focus on getting into the right frame of mind and returning to form for the T20 World Cup.