Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh feels that picking Hardik Pandya for the rescheduled fifth Test match against England would have served India well.
Harbhajan says that even though Shardul Thakur has done well for India, Hardik’s presence would only strengthened them as he has been in superb batting form in the last few months.
Pandya amassed a total of 487 runs in IPL 2022, his highest tally in am IPL season, and also led the Gujarat Titans to the title in their maiden season. He carried his good batting form forward into the T20I series against the Proteas and Ireland as well.
He fared pretty well with his bowling in the IPL, picking up eight wickets during the season. However, he was expensive in the series against South Africa and Ireland. But Harbhajan still has thrown his weight behind Pandya just because of his fabulous batting form.
“I feel India should have included Hardik Pandya. It’s only one match and seamers are expected to do well in England. Yes, Shardul Thakur has done a good job but if Hardik Pandya is there in the team, it would be really good. The batting then gets a big boost and the bowling department also gets some cover,” Harbhajan told Sportskeeda.
Pandya has played 11 Tests so far and has scored one hundred and four fifties in them, averaging 31.29. With the ball, he has claimed 17 wickets at an average of 31.05. It includes a five-wicket haul against England in Nottingham during the 2018 tour as well. However, consistent issues with his knee has kept him out of the Indian Test side since 2018.
Harbhajan also went on to speak about India’s chances in the one-off Test against England. He said that India have the team to win the match but Ben Stokes’ England, which is playing with a refreshing approach, can pose a serious challenge to India.
“It’s a big game without doubt. England have a new team led by Ben Stokes. But, they have a lot to prove. On the other hand, India have a great chance to win a series in England after many years. India have the talent to win this match. It will be a big series win, if they achieve it,” Harbhajan said.
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