Certainly, Rohit Sharma is leading Team India against Afghanistan, but Hardik Pandya is not part of the T20 squad due to his recovery from an ankle injury.
Despite not being on the field, Pandya remains a crucial member of the leadership group, with his opinions sought in decision-making related to the format.
BCCI sources indicate that he is actively involved in T20 cricket decisions and has fully recovered from his injury. The cautious approach is taken to ensure he is fit for future engagements.
During a meeting involving Team India’s coach Rahul Dravid, selection committee president Ajit Agarkar, captain Rohit Sharma, and Hardik Pandya, a significant decision was made regarding Mohammed Shami’s inclusion.
Shami’s all-format utility, especially in the recent ODI World Cup, played a pivotal role in his selection for the T20 World Cup blueprint. The decision considered his fitness, desire to play in the format, and overall strength.
In the absence of Hardik Pandya, the bowling lineup for the T20 World Cup includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh, and all-rounder Mukesh Kumar as backup options. The team management will closely monitor the performance of players in the upcoming T20 series against Afghanistan to finalize the squad for the World Cup.
Hardik Pandya is not only a talented player but also a strategically minded captain, contributing valuable insights to the team in the shortest format. Despite a dip in his strike rate in recent IPL editions, he emphasizes focusing on winning matches rather than individual statistics.
Pandya showcased his bowling prowess with notable performances against New Zealand and West Indies, reaffirming his role as a frontline bowler for Team India. However, concerns about his fitness persist, and managing his injuries will be crucial to his sustained presence in the team.