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Irfan Pathan believes Hardik Pandya’s poor type is obstructing Kuldeep Yadav’s return to India’s 11 for Zimbabwe conflict.
Hardik Pandya (PTI Photo)
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Hardik Pandya’s poor type stands between Kuldeep Yadav getting a spot within the 11 within the must-win T20 World Cup conflict in opposition to Zimbabwe on Thursday. Pathan mentioned that the workforce administration has most likely misplaced confidence in Pandya’s bowling after his current performances, and wouldn’t be capable of drop frontline fast Arshdeep Singh for Kuldeep.
Kuldeep’s absence turned a speaking level after India’s 74-run defeat to South Africa on Sunday. Although it was the batting lineup that permit the workforce down, some felt that the hosts didn’t have the wicket-taking edge wanted. The solely means Kuldeep can realistically are available is by both changing a specialist batter like Rinku Singh or Arshdeep, with the latter case leaving Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah as the 2 tempo choices.
“Hardik tried the yorker simply as soon as and went for the arduous size for the remainder. He received hit for sixes, and it was a really large over that took the momentum in South Africa’s favor. When one thing like this occurs, the administration loses confidence in that bowler. Arshdeep turns into very essential in that,” Pathan said.
Pandya conceded 45 runs in his four wicketless overs against South Africa, taking his tournament economy rate to 8.67.
“Playing Arshdeep is very important,” Pathan mentioned. “If Hardik was bowling nicely within the demise overs, you’d assume that he would bowl with the brand new ball and on the again finish as nicely. India can go along with an additional spinner in that case, as we noticed within the Asia Cup. But the pitches are completely different right here. So, it’s best to go along with Arshdeep. India would absolutely consider bringing in Kuldeep, however for that, they must pass over Arshdeep and also you don’t have a bowler who can bowl yorkers with Bumrah within the demise overs,” he added.
India choosing Rinku to sit out for Kuldeep is even more unlikely, considering how much Gautam Gambhir values batting depth.
Bring back Axar
Pathan said it was of ‘utmost importance’ for India to bring Axar Patel back in place of Washington Sundar.
“But Axar is such a bowler who doesn’t give room at all to left-handed batters. If the batter is playing the sweep well, he shifts to bowling wide. He bowls very well against left-handed batters as well. His batting is massively underrated. He plays crucial innings when needed,” Pathan mentioned.
February 26, 2026, 15:24 IST
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