Hardik Pandya bowling will solve a lot of problems for Virat Kohli: Ajit Agarkar

It rings true that the contributions of all-rounders in the team often solve many puzzles for the side. When it comes to the Indian team, they have been struggling a bit to find a sixth bowling option in the lineup. This more often than not pose pressure on the other bowlers and thus, Ajit Agarkar has reckoned that going forward, Hardik Pandya needs to be used as an all-rounder in white-ball cricket for India.

The former Indian pacer feels that Hardik’s bowling in the limited-overs provides balance to the team. Now that India is set to battle it out against Sri Lanka in the white ball series, there are chances for him to get back to bowling. Agarkar said that Hardik’s availability with the ball can help Virat a lot for the build-up ahead of the T20 World Cup.

“I hope he starts bowling, I am not sure why he stopped bowling in the IPL because he bowled in the last ODI against England in March. So if there is an injury hopefully it has been sorted. You need a sixth option and Hardik is an ideal one, he is seam bowling all-rounder. Hopefully, he bowls, because his bowling will solve a lot of problems for Virat Kohli.” Agarkar said during a virtual interaction facilitated by India vs Sri Lanka official broadcasters Sony Sports.

His bowling gives a lot of balance to the team: Ajit Agarkar

Hardik who was primarily used as an all-rounder by team India struggled from a back injury which has limited his bowling possibilities. Since his return to professional cricket post-surgery in 2019, he has been a bit away from bowling. In IPL 2021 so far, he did not take the charge of the bowl, however, he did bowl for India in the white ball series against England in March. According to Agarkar, even a few overs from Hardik would be a great asset for the team.

“His bowling gives a lot of balance to the team. He can play as a pure batsman but you need Hardik to bowl, you saw in England series when he couldn’t bowl earlier on, how much pressure was on Indian bowlers.” Agarkar said.

The first ODI between India and Sri Lanka will kick start on July 18. The two teams are all set to face each other in 3 ODIs and as many T20Is.