'Where has he scored runs in T20s?' - Aakash Chopra doesn't back Shardul Thakur as Hardik Pandya's replacement

India is all set to play its first game of T20 World Cup 2021 on October 24 against Pakistan and fans and experts just cannot keep calm ahead of the much-awaited clash. However, there is another debate that is currently doing rounds in the Indian team and it relates to the selection of all-rounder between Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur. It is known to all that Pandya has not been able to roll his arm over post his back surgery.

Talking in the same context, former cricketer and analyst Aakash Chopra has stated that Shardul Thakur can just not be his replacement. When it comes to smashing runs in T20s, Thakur has not shown his flair where Pandya has done the perfect job for India as a finisher over the years.

“Shardul Thakur cannot play in place of Hardik Pandya. Where has he [Shardul] scored runs in T20s? For whom? He has not played a knock like that for CSK as well and let’s be honest, we don’t have an all-rounder. Shardul cannot bat at No.6 and No.7 is also too high for him if you keep Jaddu at No.6. We have only seen his run-scoring form in Test cricket. So Hardik is certain to play,” said Aakash Chopra in his YouTube video.

Hardik Pandya’s bat fires and makes a lot of noise: Aakash Chopra

Chopra backed Pandya and stated that there can’t be a better option for India than him at no.6. He is best when it comes to chipping in with some handy overs and is best suited for the T20 format. On the other hand, Thakur has unleashed his batting prowess only in the longest format of the game.

“It is not about form over reputation, it is just about what you have. So, the expectation is, fingers crossed, that Hardik Pandya’s bat fires and makes a lot of noise, but you don’t have an option,” he added.

India Pakistan clash is all set for October 24 in Dubai and it remains to be seen with what combination India goes in the high-profile contest. India boasts of 5-0 record against the men in green in T20 WCs.