Hardik Pandya Almost Guaranteed T20 WC Spot Thanks to ‘TINA’ Factor: Report

There remains no like-for-like replacement for Hardik. According to PTI, Hardik is likely to make it to India’s 15-member squad for the World Cup as there is no alternative (TINA) for him. Hardik’s batting prowess, scoring runs at a strike of 132, and also the fact that he is a very good all-round fielder are also expected to work in his favour. Pandya has so far bowled 17 overs out of a possible 32 in eight games for Mumbai Indians in the 17th edition of the IPL.

The free-flowing bat-swing is completely missing in the 150 odd runs that he has scored in the tournament so far at a strike-rate of 142. While Hardik is a more complete all-rounder, Dube’s batting form has seen him emerge as one of the finest finishers in the game. Dube might not be competing with Hardik for the all-rounder’s spot, but he is a strong candidate for a spot in the 15. However save Bumrah and Kuldeep, the other Indian bowlers haven’t been in great form during IPL and hence the choice of an extra bowler becomes very important.

It will be a three-way fight between Rajasthan Royals’ pacer Avesh, Delhi Capitals left-arm spin bowling all-rounder Axar and Lucknow Super Giants leg-spinner Bishnoi. Avesh, who has improved a lot as far as his death bowling is concerned, has eight wickets from as many matches with an economy rate of 9.41 while Bishnoi has only taken five wickets but on flat tracks, his economy of 8.47 can be considered impressive. Axar, who has seven scalps from nine games but is bowling at an rate of just above 7, would be a brilliant choice too taking the conditions into consideration.