Photo via The Times of India

'Pandya is irreplaceable': Gavaskar believes India should stop searching for direct replacement

Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has urged India to stop chasing a direct replacement for Hardik Pandya, arguing the all-rounder’s unique blend of batting and bowling is unmatched. Gavaskar, speaking after India’s 2-2 draw in the five-match T20I series against the West Indies, suggested the team should instead focus on building a balanced squad with specialist bowlers and versatile all-rounders.

He emphasized the need for at least four dedicated bowlers, warning that overloading the lineup with batters weakens the attack—a strategy he believes has cost India matches in the past. Naman Dhir was highlighted as a promising alternative, after his explosive 24 off six balls in the rain-affected final T20I in Bengaluru, where the match was abandoned without a result.

Gavaskar also stressed the importance of supporting spin bowlers, even when they’re not regular starters, to maintain their confidence and effectiveness.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra analyzed Abhishek Sharma’s series, noting the left-handed batter struggled to replicate his usual form, particularly in the shortened final. Chopra acknowledged that high-strike-rate players like Sharma will inevitably face inconsistent performances, but he cautioned that such fluctuations can impact team morale.

The series concluded with India’s bowling unit under scrutiny, as Gavaskar argued that prioritizing batting depth over bowling strength leaves the team vulnerable in critical moments.

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