The BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India), led by former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan, has come out and advised them to put the needs of the Indian team ahead of their fixation with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The conversation started after a number of commentators had debated the best roster for the Indian team in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
Pathan thought back to Pandya’s recent underperformance for India and suggested that the board should take Hardik’s recent influence into account before making a decision.
“I believe that since we still haven’t won the World Cup, Indian cricket needs to make it plain that they shouldn’t give Hardik Pandya the same amount of importance that they have up till now. Pathan stated on Star Sports Press Room Show that “you need to make that kind of an impact at the international level if you think you are a primary all-rounder.”
We are simply considering the all-rounder’s potential because he hasn’t had too much of an influence on the international scene. The differences between the international and IPL performances are becoming unclear to us. That’s a significant difference,” he continued.
He must play throughout the entire calendar year: Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan also remarked how Hardik Pandya shouldn’t play in different formats and should play for the entire season. According to his opinion, Indian cricket would continue to lose the main ICC competitions if it gives favouritism to specific players. The former all-rounder gave Australia as an example, pointing out that nation prefers team games, which helps them win big championships.
“He must play the entire year, first and foremost. He is not able to select. It is time for Indian cricket to quit doing that. You won’t win important tournaments if you continue to give preferences to specific people. For a long time now, Australia has been expressing a preference for team games. transforming everyone into a superstar. Every member of the group is a superstar—not just one. You won’t win major tournaments if you don’t do it, Pathan said.