It is unfortunate that India had to announce a pure bowler as a replacement for an all-rounder like Hardik Pandya. India boasted of excellent balance in the first few games. It would not be the case for the rest of the tournament. This situation must alert Team India that the management must groom a few youngsters immediately. On that note, here, we take a look at three youngsters India must groom as Hardik Pandya’s future replacement.
1) Raj Bawa
Raj Bawa, after an injury that kept him out of IPL 2023, is now back competing for Chandigarh in domestic cricket. He is one player India must surely keep an eye on.
Raj was excellent in the U19 World Cup which gave him popularity. A left-handed batter and a medium-pace bowler, he would be perfect to learn the trade from Hardik.
2) Ramandeep Singh
Mumbai Indians’ Ramandeep is 26 years old but he would still be a fine option if India has to develop someone as at least a backup for Hardik. A middle-order batter, although not as good as Hardik, Ramandeep can also bowl decent medium pace.
He has often helped Punjab close out games with the bat while also doing a good job when called upon with the ball. Hence, he would be a decent investment.
3) Rajvardhan Hangargekar
Rajvardhan Hangargekar is one of the youngsters India must groom as Hardik Pandya’s future replacement. While Hardik Pandya bats at No.6 and can bat even higher, in Rajvardhan’s case, the maximum he can bat is at No.7.
However, to reach there, as well, he must work on his batting skills, which are currently raw. Of course, with the ball, he is already doing well and someone might have to push the player to develop as a batter, as well. This would bode well with Indian cricket going forward.
