‘He has to do a lot of heavy work…..’ – Former India cricketer raises concern over Hardik Pandya’s form ahead of Asia Cup 2023

The Indian Cricket Board has announced the 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, which is slated to commence on August 30. Notably, the team has marked the comebacks of KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer, whereas star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been retained as the vice captain for the upcoming Asia Cup. Meanwhile, speaking on the same subject, former India cricketer turned analyst Sanjay Manjrekar feels the Gujarat Titans skipper’s form is a bit of a concern ahead of the marquee event.

Notably, the commentator feels the star all-rounder needs to work a lot during the upcoming ODI World Cup. In addition, the former right-handed batter says the MS Dhoni–led side in 2011 had great all-rounders with the likes of Yuvraj Singh and Surest Raina, who possess the ability to bat and bowl together, which helped them win the World Cup. Moreover, the 58-year-old analyst feels the 29-year-old cricketer should be able to perform the role of an all-rounder instead of only batting.

Hardik Pandya’s form is a bit of a concern: Sanjay Manjrekar

“Hardik Pandya’s form is a bit of a concern. He has to do a lot of heavy work at the World Cup. You need him as an all-rounder and not just as a batter. So you need at least 6-7 overs per game. When India won the 2011 World Cup, it was because of people like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina being the batters who could bowl,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports.

Meanwhile, a few days ago, stand-in skipper Hardik Pandya revealed his fitness and felt optimistic ahead of the Asia Cup and World Cup. “My body is fine. I have to bowl more overs and get my workload up for the World Cup. I am a turtle right now, not a rabbit and hoping everything goes right as the World Cup comes on,” Hardik Pandya said after the final ODI against West Indies in Tarouba.