Former India opener Aakash Chopra has urged the Indian team management and captain Suryakumar Yadav to use Hardik Pandya more tactically with the ball ahead of India’s crucial semi-final in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Chopra believes Pandya can be highly effective if used smartly, but may struggle if asked to bowl extended spells in the latter stages of an innings.

India’s bowling unit conceded 195 runs against the West Indies cricket team in their last Super 8 clash. The challenge will only intensify when India takes on the England cricket team in the semi-final at Wankhede Stadium on March 5.

During a discussion on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked whether India possess the bowling depth to contain England’s aggressive batting lineup. The concerns stem from a few areas: Pandya’s predictable lengths, Arshdeep Singh appearing shaky at the death, Varun Chakaravarthy delivering inconsistent performances, and Axar Patel not being fully utilised.

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Despite these concerns, Chopra believes India’s bowling attack is far from weak.

“The bowling is decent. Is it our strongest suit? Maybe not right now. But calling it weak would be unfair,” Aakash Chopra explained. He pointed out that India still possesses reliable options, particularly with Jasprit Bumrah leading the attack.

Chopra highlighted that Bumrah’s four overs remain India’s biggest strength, while Varun, despite a few inconsistent outings, continues to be a dangerous spin option. He also defended Arshdeep’s performances, noting that the left-arm pacer has largely done well apart from one expensive over.

According to Aakash Chopra, the key lies in how Pandya is deployed. “Hardik Pandya needs to be used properly. If you bowl all his overs after the powerplay and keep two or three overs for the later stages, he can look very ordinary,” he said.

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Pandya’s tournament numbers reflect a mixed campaign so far. In seven matches, the Indian all-rounder has taken six wickets at an average of 36.17 with an economy rate of 8.68. With India preparing for a high-pressure semi-final, tactical bowling decisions could prove decisive.