Former Indian Test opener Wasim Jaffer believes India is missing the services of Hardik Pandya in the ongoing UK tour. Jaffer reckons the likes of Suryansh Shedge and Nitish Kumar Reddy don’t have the ability to bowl three-four overs consistently in T20Is.
Meanwhile, Shedge made his T20I debut against the home team in the second game at Belfast on Sunday but could not deliver the goods as India suffered a one-run loss.
The all-rounder conceded 25 runs in the two overs he bowled and also went wicketless. Furthermore, the Punjab Kings batter was dismissed after scoring a solitary run after facing five balls.
On the other hand, Pandya is currently recovering from his injury and he is not part of the England tour.
“We have seen Hardik taking the new ball at times. He gives you at least three overs and plays the role of a finisher. That cog is missing. You are playing Suryansh, but at the moment, he doesn’t have the ability to bowl 3-4 overs. Even Nitish. They are not in that calibre at the moment. So definitely India is missing Hardilk. I feel the fast bowlers will have to step up, and the batters will also have to cover for this and outbat the opposition,” Wasim Jaffer said on his YouTube channel.
Jaffer said Harshit Rana made a good comeback to International cricket as he bowled and batted well in the two T20Is against Ireland.
“Harshit bowled well on his comeback, and he batted well too. You can see the improvement in him, and it is visible. You can trust him with the bat at number eight and nine. He has been successful and the positive in these two games without a doubt. Prince also used his opportunity well, so there have been positives. But collectively, the team has not performed, the batting has not performed,” he added.
The former domestic giant said the series against England will be a tougher challenge for India after series loss against Ireland.
“England will definitely be a tougher challenge. After the Ireland series, England will also believe that they can beat India. There are loopholes as there is no Bumrah and Hardik. Two important players. Somebody else has to fill those shoes. The England series will be even more tougher. I hope India start to play at their best after this wake-up call,” he said.
India will next take on England in a five-match T20I series.
