The Men in Blue are back in action this Thursday for their second T20 World Cup Super 12 game, taking on the Netherlands in Sydney. While India hopes to maintain their winning streak at the SCG, there are growing worries about Hardik Pandya's fitness just as the match approaches.
Pandya's performance was a highlight of the victory against Pakistan, where he chipped in with 40 runs and took three wickets. However, a moment in the 10th over where the physio rushed out to treat his knee suggested he wasn't at 100%. Consequently, former captain Sunil Gavaskar thinks it would be prudent to leave the all-rounder out of the lineup.
According to Gavaskar, it's logical to rest Hardik if he's nursing a niggle, as the upcoming Sunday match against South Africa is far more significant. The batting legend emphasized that the team should ensure any injured players are fully recovered for that big encounter. He reminded everyone that in the T20 format, you can't afford to overlook any opponent.
Gavaskar suggested that Rohit Sharma should call up Deepak Hooda to bat in the number five spot. He reasoned that Hooda could cover some of Pandya's bowling duties, while Axar Patel could handle the remaining overs to ensure the workload is balanced.