Hardik Pandya: Despite India’s spectacular victory, former cricketer raises questions on bowling strategy
India started the Asia Cup 2025 in a great way. In the very first match played in Dubai, Team India bowled out UAE for just 57 runs. This victory was one-sided and the dominance of Indian bowlers was completely visible. But even amidst this victory, the debate has intensified regarding the selection of the team and bowling strategy.
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In this match, India did not include fast bowler Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI. In his place, all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dubey got a chance to bowl. Jasprit Bumrah was the main fast bowler and he bowled in his rhythm. But Hardik Pandya bowled only one over, in which he conceded 10 runs and did not take any wicket.
Big statement by Irfan Pathan
Former Team India all-rounder and cricket expert Irfan Pathan expressed displeasure over this decision. He said on his YouTube channel that Hardik Pandya is not a reliable option to bowl in the death overs i.e. the last overs of the innings. Irfan says that if the match reaches a critical point and the opposition batsmen are playing aggressively, then Team India may feel the lack of a specialist death bowler.
Arshdeep Singh has emerged as an important bowler in the death overs for India in the last few years. He has bowled brilliantly under pressure on many occasions. His biggest strength is to bowl accurate yorkers and stop the batsman from scoring runs. Irfan believes that keeping Arshdeep out of the team for this reason is a strategic mistake.
Importance of Hardik Pandya
It is also true that Hardik Pandya is an important player for the Indian team. He not only contributes with batting, but also gives you options in bowling. The balance of the team is strong due to his fitness and all-rounder ability. But considering him as the main bowler in the death overs can put the team in trouble somewhere.
India has a world-class bowler like Jasprit Bumrah, but there is always a need for a partner in the death overs. If a bowler like Arshdeep is kept with Bumrah, then the team’s death overs combination can become stronger.
