Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane openly questioned the team management’s decision to not use Hardik Pandya as a bowler through the fourth T20I against Latest Zealand in Visakhapatnam on January 28. With Ishan Kishan sidelined attributable to a niggle, India went in with five specialist bowlers.
Together with pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube. Despite this depth, all five specialist bowlers accomplished their full quota of 4 overs as Latest Zealand piled up a frightening 215/7 in 20 overs. This approach resulted in Hardik not bowling a single delivery, a move that raised eyebrows with the T20 World Cup drawing closer.
Speaking on the mid-innings break, Ajinkya Rahane expressed his surprise at the decision, saying, “When you’ve options like Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, three other proper fast bowlers, and two spinners, confusion could be created in a captain’s head.”
“I desired to see Hardik Pandya bowling. Should you are taking a look at him to bowl with the brand new ball within the World Cup, this can be a series he should bowl in every game, at the very least two or three overs. So I used to be surprised he didn’t get to bowl today.” Rahane felt that the series was a super platform to check Hardik in numerous bowling roles under match pressure.
Powerplay Usage And Hardik’s Recent Form
Rahane further identified that the conditions demanded Hardik’s involvement with the ball, especially early within the innings. He noted, “Shivam Dube is superb, however it was a very good batting wicket, so Hardik must have bowled one or two overs within the powerplay.”
In accordance with Rahane, using Hardik upfront could have added variety and control when the ball was latest, fairly than relying solely on the specialist bowlers.
The choice looked much more puzzling considering Hardik’s effectiveness in the sooner matches of the series. In the primary three T20Is, he emerged as one in every of India’s most impactful bowlers, picking up 4 wickets at a median of 17 across eight overs. His form had strengthened the case for giving him consistent bowling time as a part of India’s preparations for the worldwide tournament.
Rahane Lauds Rinku Singh’s Fielding Effort
Aside from tactical criticism, Rahane also took time to praise Rinku Singh for his exceptional fielding performance in the identical match. With Latest Zealand batters on the attack, Rinku stood out by taking 4 sharp catches across different regions of the bottom.
Highlighting his dedication, Rahane said, “He’s (Rinku) a excellent fielder with protected hands. I remember when he was not within the playing 11 for KKR, KKR at all times used to send him in its place fielder every time. He works really hard on his fitness and is admittedly quick within the outfield. Half-an-hour alone he’ll just do catching and direct hits.”
As for the match situation, India were chasing 216 to secure a 4-0 series lead, having already sealed the series with dominant wins in the primary three games. Nonetheless, the hosts found themselves under pressure early, reaching 50/2 at the tip of the powerplay.
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