India appears to have everything in order for the 2022 Asia Cup and the subsequent T20 World Cup in October. A major pain point during their last campaign in the UAE was the void left by the absence of a high-caliber all-rounder. Before the team flew out for the Asia Cup, former coach Ravi Shastri praised a 28-year-old all-rounder, calling him an indispensable part of the squad's balance.
Shastri gave a glowing review of Hardik Pandya, detailing why he is so critical to the starting lineup. He confessed that without Pandya, the team's equilibrium would collapse. In scenarios where the coaching staff is undecided about prioritizing an extra bat or an extra bowling arm, Pandya provides the perfect middle ground.
In the previous T20 World Cup, Pandya's role was limited to batting, which skewed the team's composition and left them short of bowling depth. This tactical imbalance played a significant role in India's failure to move past the group stage.
Shastri remarked that the team felt a huge void during the 2021 T20 World Cup when Pandya was unable to bowl, noting that his dual ability changes the game entirely. He believes that in terms of raw quality and versatility, no other player even comes close. Ultimately, Shastri stressed that Pandya is a cornerstone of the team and a player whose fitness and form must be monitored carefully.