Don't forget, Hardik will return: Gavaskar cautions KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer

KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya are both future India captaincy candidates [Source: Twitter]

Indian cricket has a talented pool of batters that most countries will be envious of. Let alone the main team, the second or third string that India fields consist of some of the best batters in the country who struggle to find a way into the national side.

Lately, the Indian team has struggled to maintain a stable middle order with Surya Kumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, and KL Rahul fighting out of the coveted Number 4/5 slot.

With a splendid run in 2022, Iyer is almost guaranteed a place - 639 runs, which includes one hundred and five fifties. KL Rahul, despite lack of form, has showcased glimpses of his class, coupled with his ability to keep wickets puts him a notch above the rest.

However, former India great Sunil Gavaskar has cautioned both players going ahead.

Speaking to Sony Sports, Gavaskar said that Hardik Pandya's return to ODIs would make it even tougher to keep the place in the XI.

Here's what Gavaskar said

“When you have someone breathing down you neck like KL Rahul will feel Shreyas Iyer is breathing down his neck which is again good for Rahul because he would want to go out there not taking any match lightly. He would want to score in every game. And both of them are outstanding fielders and KL Rahul can keep wickets which is a huge plus. 

Iyer can also bowl. So it is good to have these kind of competitions for No. 5 and 6 not to forget that there is a certain Hardik Pandya who is also likely to comeback in the one-day side sooner than later,”

Since making his return from injury, Pandya has played only three ODIs in 2022, scoring 100 runs and picking up six wickets. 

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