Hardik Pandya Gets Big Relief, Ravi Shastri Defends And Justifies The Decision

Hardik Pandya's selection in the T20 World Cup team is being questioned. Hardik Pandya has been seen struggling with the bat during IPL 14.

(File Photo)

Hardik Pandya has been criticized for his poor performance in the 14th season of the Indian Premier League. There is also a demand to keep Hardik Pandya out of the World Cup squad due to his poor form. Team India coach Ravi Shastri has defended Hardik Pandya and described him as a player who can change the course of the match.

Ravi Shastri said Hardik Pandya is a player who has a lot of confidence. Ravi Shastri believes that Hardik Pandya can lead Mumbai Indians to victory on his own if he comes back in form. The BCCI is also keeping an eye on Pandya's workload management due to his potential.

"Hardik is a confident player and sometimes when you are not 100 percent, it can play with your mind so from the perspective of Mumbai Indians it was important that he first go to the field and then score runs," Shastri said.

Mumbai's decision justified

Ravi Shastri added, "Gradually it was very important to bring Hardik into a competitive match. I have known Hardik for a long time, he is a confident player, once he comes into the form he can score 4-5 match-winning scores."

In fact, Hardik Pandya has been included as an all-rounder in the World Cup squad. But he has not seen bowling during the IPL. Shastri believes the Mumbai Indians' decision not to let him bowl is correct. At the same time, Shastri said the possibility of Hardik Pandya bowling will be assessed soon.