Hardik Pandya’s bowling is very important for India in World Cup 2023: Sanjay Manjrekar

Speaking exclusively to Star Sports on Follow the Blues, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his opinion on whether Suryakumar Yadav should play in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, he said “I think most issues seem to address that the batter is in pretty good form. India of course have to ponder on the Suryakumar Yadav case because 50 overs cricket is not quite making the same impact but he will be such a big temptation on a big stage when he walks in with just 15-17 overs left in the innings, can be a game changer. So that is an issue India need to sort of finalize whether they want, Suryakumar Yadav, so that is one loose and they need to tie.”

Manjrekar spoke on Hardik Pandya’s role as an all-rounder in Team India, he said, “Hardik Pandya’s form is a little bit of concern, his bowling because you will have to do a lot of physical work in the world cup because you need him as the all-rounder not just a batter so at least 6-7 over per innings is what is expected from him. When India won the world in 2011, it was because of people like Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh pure batters who bowled a bit, so Hardik Pandya’s bowling is very important.”

Manjrekar highlighted the importance of the spin department in Team India, he said, “I guess in the spin department Chahal needs to rise to the occasion in the 50 overs format to get those crucial wickets along with Kuldeep Yadav because Jadeja will be your containment bowler. I think the same department is always going to be a bit of gamble with all teams considering the pitches and sizes of the grounds in India.”