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'Team's Balance Takes A Hit..'- Ravi Shastri Reflects On Pandya's Lack Of Bowling 

Ravi Shastri on Hardik Pandya - (X.com)Ravi Shastri on Hardik Pandya - (X.com)

India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya stole the show in the recently concluded T20I between India and Sri Lanka, as Pandya scored a quickfire 22 (9) in the rain-reduced game and helped the Men in Blue secure a seven wickets win and seal the three-match series 2-0.

Talking about Pandya, he will not be a part of the ODI squad for the upcoming three-match fifty-over series due to personal reasons. Notably, Pandya's fitness has been an issue over the years, which is why he also has sidelined himself from red-ball cricket to focus just on white-ball. 

However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has urged the 30-year-old to continue playing ODIs and be part of the Champions Trophy squad. Hardik's last ODI was during the 2023 World Cup game against Bangladesh where he sprained his ankle and was ruled out of the tournament. 

Meanwhile, Shastri also pointed out why Pandya's lack of bowling in the fifty-over format is a worrying sign for India as the team's balance takes a hit. 

“I think (it's) essential that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is essential. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well," Shastri said while speaking to host Sanjana Ganesan. 


“But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he'll play in one-day cricket as well.”