Former Pakistan skipper, Inzamam-ul-Haq termed all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s selection in the playing XI as one of India’s biggest mistakes in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener against Pakistan. Inzamam said India failed to get their combination right as they didn’t have a sixth bowler, who could have come in as a back-up to the five main bowlers. India suffered a 10-wicket loss against Pakistan.
Talking about the same, in the latest video on his Youtube channel, Inzamam Ul Haq said, “India’s biggest setback was because they played Hardik Pandya. India were not right with their team selection. Babar Azam knew exactly what he was doing with his XI but India was not.”
Hardik had a niggle in his shoulder while attempting a pull shot off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 19th over of the Indian innings. He immediately grabbed his arm and did not seem comfortable. Talking about the same, Inzamam Ul Haq said Pandya grabbing his shoulder and showing that he was hurt was not a good sign.
ALSO READ: Shane Warne Feels Bids For New IPL Franchises Shows The Magnanimity Of Cricket
Inzamam elaborated, “I did not think it was the right thing for Pandya to point towards his shoulder after being hit. When you play a high-voltage match like this, you don’t give a clue to the opposition even when you are hurt. I immediately got a clue that India were under pressure when Pandya grabbed his shoulders. That was not a good sign. He didn’t come outfield, didn’t bowl.”
Former Pakistan skipper explained that the absence of a sixth bowler hurt India’s chances and put skipper Virat Kohli under a lot of pressure. He explained how Pakistan skipper Babar Azam made good use of his multiple bowling options and got a couple of overs out of the way using the experienced Mohammad Hafeez.
ALSO READ: Star Sports CEO Feels IPL Will Have 12 Teams In The Next Decade
Inzamam Ul Haq said, “If India played a sixth bowler, then it would have been better. Look at how playing Mohmmad Hafeez gave an advantage to Babar Azam. He got two overs out of the way by using Hafeez instead of bowling four from Imad Wasim. They had Shoaib Malik too.”
