T20 World Cup 2024: Bowl Hardik Bowl - Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid decide Hardik Pandya's WC Future?

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The prospect of Hardik Pandya rejoining the Indian cricket team for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 hinges on his performance as a bowler in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL), as per a report by Indian Express.

In a strategic discussion, India's head coach Rahul Dravid, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, and captain Rohit Sharma concluded that Pandya's regular bowling is the only way he can integrate into the national squad.

The team management is keen on adding a seam bowling all-rounder to the roster for the World Cup scheduled in the USA and West Indies just after the conclusion of IPL 2024, the report says.

However, Pandya's journey in the current IPL season has been less than ideal. His performances with both bat and ball have drawn criticism. The player has been hurled with criticism and intense trolling.

Despite participating in six matches, Pandya has bowled in only four, managing to secure just three wickets. His economy rate stands at a concerning 12. Pandya has leaked runs up front, while his efforts during the middle overs have also been notably expensive, raising doubts about his ability to maintain pressure on opponents.

The criteria set by Dravid, Agarkar, and Sharma underscores the team's strategic approach to the T20 World Cup. The emphasis on regular bowling performances indicates a clear preference for players who can contribute significantly in multiple facets of the game. As the IPL progresses, Pandya's ability to adapt and improve his bowling could be crucial for his aspirations to represent India at the World Cup.

T20 WC 2024: Shivam Dube is in Contention

According to the same report, the trio also talked about CSK star Shivam Dube. Dube has been a revelation at Chennai Super Kings, and he has continued his upsurge in IPL 2024 as well. The southpaw has demolished the spinners and is regarded now as one of the best players against spin. Also, his gameplay against the pacers has considerably improved. Although Dube is being considered as a potential option for India, his lack of bowling with CSK is a concern.

Chennai Super Kings generally use Shivam Dube as an Impact Player, where he only bats and is not required to bowl. So if India picks him for the T20 World Cup, then the Mumbai player will be only used as a batter or maybe as a part-time bowling option.

In the seamer all-rounder area, there is no one along with Pandya and Dube at the moment. KKR's Venkatesh Iyer has been way below the pecking order, while DC's Sumit Kumar and PBKS' Rishi Dhawan are not in the race. Hence the Indian team is banking on Pandya's fitness and bowling prowess ahead of the T20 World Cup.