MUMBAI: On May 2 at the BCCI HQ here, when answering selection queries for the Indian team for the T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies, India’s chief selector offered a simple explanation why Hardik Pandya had been included in the side, and that too as a vice-captain despite being in ordinary form with the bat and ball in IPL-2024-his first outing since returning from an ankle injury.
"As long as he stays fit, we know what he brings, how much balance he gives the team. I don't think there is a replacement for the things that he can do as a cricketer at the moment, especially when it comes to the way he bowls. Really, (with) his balance (he) gives Rohit options to play different combinations, so his fitness for us is critical and so far, fortunately, he is doing okay as an athlete," Agarkar had said.
