India skipper Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar convened in Mumbai last week to deliberate on India’s squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, as reported by The Indian Express.

The primary focus of the two-hour-long session was the inclusion of Hardik Pandya in the World Cup squad, as per the report.

The T20 World Cup is scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA from June 1 to June 29. Notably, the ongoing IPL season concludes on May 26.

While there’s ample time before the selectors finalize India’s 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup 2024, concerns loom over Hardik’s bowling fitness. Despite leading Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2024, the all-rounder has fallen short of expectations with both bat and ball.

Hardik Pandya’s performance in the IPL 2024 has been under scrutiny, with him managing only 131 runs in six matches. Despite a notable innings against RCB where he scored 21* off 6 balls, concerns have arisen regarding his approach during the middle overs, as he has struggled to maintain a desired strike rate.

Of more significant concern to the Indian team management is Pandya’s bowling performance. He has appeared out of form with the ball this season, completing his full quota only twice out of six matches.

In specific instances, Pandya didn’t bowl against Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals, and he bowled just one over against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Against Chennai Super Kings, he conceded 43 runs in his three overs, including being hit for a hat-trick of sixes by MS Dhoni.

Overall, Pandya has bowled 11 overs in the IPL 2024, taking only three wickets at an economy rate of 12 runs per over. It’s reported that his selection for the T20 World Cup will be contingent on consistent bowling performances in the IPL.

Should selectors overlook Pandya, Shivam Dube emerges as a plausible alternative, having showcased his batting prowess for CSK. However, Dube hasn’t had the opportunity to bowl in this IPL.

Other contenders for consideration include Vijay Shankar and Venkatesh Iyer, both of whom have represented India in white-ball cricket. Shankar is yet to bowl for GT in the ongoing IPL, while Iyer has only bowled one over for KKR.

(The Indian Express Inputs)