Cricket

Ajit Agarkar suggests Team India to play Shardul Thakur ahead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar

 

Hardik Pandya hadn’t bowled a single over in IPL 2021 which raised several questions around his fitness. Pandya bowling would lend balance to the Indian cricket team in the T20 World Cup but selectors decided to take a cautious approach and included Shardul Thakur in the final squad.

While speculations surrounding the Baroda all-rounder continue to make the rounds in media houses, Ajit Agarkar insists that India should play Shardul Thakur against Pakistan instead of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvi conceded 54 runs in four overs in the warm-up game against England without picking up a single wicket – a worrying sign. Meanwhile, Thakur is in the form of his life and recently won the IPL title with Chennai Super Kings.

“Relatively certain that Virat Kohli would like six bowling options. If the pitch has something to offer, then you can perhaps take a chance with five bowlers, but if it’s a flat pitch, he would ideally want to go in with six bowlers with three seamers and they have lots of spin options,” Agarkar said on the Star Sports show Cricket Connected.

” Jadeja is an all-rounder whose batting has come out in leaps and bounds. So, you can treat him as one of the top-order batsmen. So, my six options if Hadik Pandya is not to bowl – would be Bumrah, Shami, Shardul, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy and Rahul Chahar.”

While Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s form (he managed just six wickets from 11 matches in IPL 2021 and had a bowling average of 55.83) has raised the eyebrows of the team management, captain Virat Kohli has continued with his backing of the senior bowler. Kohli praised the experience of Bhuvi and thinks that he bowls his best when exposed to pressure.

“No, not at all [concerned]. His economy rates still continue to be top notch, something that he’s always been known for and his experience comes to the fore under pressure,” Virat Kohli said on Satuday.

“He’s back to being at full fitness, which augurs really well for our team. I’m sure with the new ball, he’ll definitely get some kind of assistance through the tournament and, whatever little there’s on offer [for the pacers], Bhuvneshwar [Kumar] knows how to make the maximum use out of that. So, his experience, as I said, is going to be priceless for us,” Kohli concluded.

 

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Young Shuttlers Ayush Shetty, Unnati Hooda Storm Into Taipei Open Quarterfinals

India's emerging badminton stars Ayush Shetty and Unnati Hooda continued their impressive runs at the… Read More

May 9, 2025

IPL 2025 Faces Suspension Amid Escalating India-Pakistan Tensions

The 2025 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is on the brink of suspension… Read More

May 9, 2025

Lalrindika Replaces Yadwad in India’s Provisional Squad for June Internationals

Edmund Lalrindika has been called up to replace the medically sidelined Irfan Yadwad in India’s… Read More

May 9, 2025

Ange Postecoglou slams critics, says people ‘fear’ Spurs might win Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has lashed out at the club’s critics after they… Read More

May 9, 2025

Carlos Alcaraz gives injury update ahead of Italian Open

Carlos Alcaraz has revealed that he is good to go at the Italian Open and… Read More

May 9, 2025

Man City forward Erling Haaland blames lack of ‘hunger’ for poor season

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland feels the lack of hunger led to their poor season.… Read More

May 9, 2025