Hardik Pandya's form ahead of World Cup 2023 a concern, his bowling will be very important: Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concern over the form of Hardik Pandya ahead of the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. Hardik registered two single digit scores in the three ODI matches against West Indies. He batted in four of the five T20Is and registered the highest score of 24 in the series.

The 29-year-old went wicket-less in the last three T20Is. The right-arm pacer bowled 13.2 overs in the ODI series but managed to pick just one wicket.

Manjrekar has reckoned that Hardik Pandya's bowling would be of utmost importance and would be expected to play the role Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina played for India in the 2011 World Cup.

“Hardik Pandya’s form is a little bit of concern, his bowling because you will have to do a lot of physical work in the world cup because you need him as the all-rounder not just a batter so at least 6-7 over per innings is what is expected from him.

"When India won the world in 2011, it was because of people like Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh pure batters who bowled a bit, so Hardik Pandya’s bowling is very important," Manjrekar said while Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Follow the Blues.

SKY can be a game-changer despite poor ODI form: Manjrekar

Further, the former India batter said that despite the lack of impact Suryakumar Yadav has had in ODI cricket, he could emerge as a game-changer for India at the World Cup 2023.

"I think most issues seem to address that the batter is in pretty good form. India of course have to ponder on the Suryakumar Yadav case because 50 overs cricket is not quite making the same impact but he will be such a big temptation on a big stage when he walks in with just 15-17 overs left in the innings, can be a game changer. So that is an issue India need to sort of finalise whether they want , Suryakumar Yadav, so that is one loose and they need to tie," he said.

'Chahal need to rise to the occasion'

Further, Manjrekar appealed Yuzvendra Chahal to step up in the ODIs and find wickets alongside Kuldeep Yadav. Chahal was benched in all the three ODIs against West Indies. He featured in all the five T20Is, picking five wickets at an average of 32.60 and an economy rate of 9.05.

Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Follow the Blues, Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted the importance of the spin department in Team India, he said, “I guess in the spin department Chahal needs to rise to the occasion in the 50 overs format to get those crucial wickets along with Kuldeep Yadav because Jadeja will be your containment bowler. I think the same department is always going to be a bit of gamble with all teams considering the pitches and sizes of the grounds in India.”