Was Hardik Pandya’s selection for the T20 World Cup made under pressure? Jay Shah’s observation is a ‘hint’

The Indian T20 squad for the 2024 World Cup saw some bold decisions being taken by the selectors as an out-of-form Hardik Pandya was given the nod while players like Shubman Gill and Rinku Singh were snubbed. Although Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed in a press conference that Hardik’s selection was due to lack of alternatives, a report later revealed that the selection committee was under pressure to choose all Mumbai Indians. rounder. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah has now opened up on the T20 World Cup squad selection, saying that players cannot be chosen solely on the basis of IPL form.

In a chat with India TimesShah said the need to also take overseas experience into account as selectors pick teams for a tournament the size of the T20 World Cup.

“He has a good balance between form and experience. Selectors cannot choose solely based on IPL performance as overseas experience is also required,” he said.

A report in Dainik Jagran stated that neither Rohit nor the selection committee, led by former Indian pacer Ajit Agarkar, were in favor of Hardik’s selection.

The report added that Hardik was chosen for the team under “pressure”. The report did not mention whether it was situational pressure (as he is India’s greatest fast bowling all-rounder) or pressure from certain quarters. The report also attributed sources saying that captain Rohit Sharma, BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar and some selectors were against Pandya’s selection in the T20 World Cup squad during the selection meeting in Ahmedabad.

The Indian team, at the moment, does not have a bowling all-rounder with skills similar to Hardik. Shivam Dube is the only alternative to Haridk, although his ball skills don’t come close to the Mumbai Indians star.

It would be interesting to see how Rohit, India’s captain, chooses his XI to play in the T20 World Cup.