As the 2023 World Cup approaches, Gautam Gambhir warns, “India will be in serious trouble if this star doesn’t have backup”

Former India batsman Gautam Gambhir has stated that finding a successor for seam-bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya should be the team’s top priority as it prepares for the 50-over World Cup, which will be held in India from October to November this year.

Gautam Gambhir was quoted as saying on ‘Road To World Cup Glory’ that “they need to immediately locate a back-up for Hardik; if something happens to him, India will be in serious, serious problems,” and ESPNcricinfo reported that Gambhir made these comments.

After battling a back ailment for the past few years, Hardik has only just lately recovered to his previous level of physical conditioning.

His last tour to England was in July of 2022, hence the upcoming one-day internationals against Sri Lanka, in which he will serve as vice captain, will be his first one-day internationals since then.

Irfan Pathan, a former all-rounder for India, is of the opinion that since the tournament will be held in India, Hardik’s backup does not necessarily need to be another all-rounder who bowls seam.

In order to demonstrate that he was correct, he used Yuvraj Singh’s performance at the 2011 World Cup as an example. Yuvraj Singh was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after scoring 362 runs and taking 15 wickets with his left-arm spin.

“Under these circumstances, you are permitted to have two spinning all-rounders in your team. In your scheme of things, you should also include guys like Washy (Washington Sundar), Axar (Patel), Ravindra (Jadeja), and most significantly Deepak Hooda.

Because he is a batsman, and because he has just just taken four wickets in the series against New Zealand. It is necessary for him (Hooda) to go on a lengthy run “Irfan stated.

Irfan believes that Umran Malik will provide India’s pace attack with an X-factor, particularly on flat decks where the ball may not seam too much.

While everything was going on, Gambhir lauded the return of Jasprit Bumrah, stating that he will be the most valuable asset the team has at the World Cup.

“My guy is someone who can provide you with additional speed and bounce, and he is this guy. Even on show pitches, Avesh Khan is sometimes referred to as a person who can get bounce. On wickets like these, you need men who are able to contribute a little bit more “Irfan added.