After the debacle at the 2021 T20 World Cup, the management is trying out a few changes. One of them is to find a finisher. Hence, India has begun the hunt for a new No.6. Hardik Pandya was dropped for the T20I series against New Zealand. However, Gautam Gambhir backs Hardik Pandya to return to form and make a comeback.
India’s hunt for a new No.6 has started
It has been a while that Hardik Pandya has fired. While he did alright when Indian toured Australia last year, he has not been his self since then. He had injury issues and did not bowl in IPL 2021. He could also not produce the blistering cameos that he is usually known for. Since India did not have a backup for Hardik, the team was not balanced in a few crucial games.
Hence, India has started the search for a new No.6. Venkatesh Iyer, who did well in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, has been identified as the player who can operate at No.6. He is essentially an opener and hence, there are concerns if he could adapt to the role.
Gautam Gambhir backs Hardik Pandya to make a comeback
Hardik Pandya is pretty experienced in the T20 format. Not considering him so early might be a mistake. Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir also felt the same.
Speaking to India Today, he said, “You won’t find a No.6 in one day. Nor will you find a replacement for it. And you cannot count out Hardik Pandya as well. People have already started writing him off, but if he keeps himself fit, does regular bowling, come back to form, he should definitely get a chance, he is still young. But with that, if you give other players a chance as well, and give them a longer rope, only then will you understand their capability.”
Gautam also felt that players must be given a long rope to show their skills. If Hardik can completely get rid of his injury issues, he surely deserves another chance with Team India.
