Pandya’s Approach in Focus After Rajkot Defeat
Hardik Pandya’s batting strategy has come under the scanner as India transitions into a more aggressive T20 playing style. While the all-rounder thrives in taking games deep, his tendency to start cautiously is drawing criticism. In India’s recent loss to England in Rajkot, Pandya struggled to find momentum, scoring 40 off 35 balls while initially batting at a strike rate below run-a-ball.
A Tale of Two Strike Rates
In his 88 T20I innings, Pandya has remained unbeaten 25 times, boasting an impressive strike rate of over 178 in such scenarios. However, when he fails to stay till the end, his strike rate dips to 140.78—a solid number, but perhaps not ideal given his role as a finisher. Lately, that figure has dropped even further, with his strike rate failing to cross 117 in his last six T20I innings, raising concerns about his effectiveness in India’s evolving batting approach.
Former India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel highlighted this issue during a post-match analysis on Star Sports. “You cannot afford to take 20-25 balls to settle in a T20 game. It’s understandable to take a few deliveries, but strike rotation is key. Hardik’s 40 off 35 may look decent, but his slow start cost India momentum,” Patel remarked.
Changing Dynamics in India’s Batting Order
Pandya has traditionally batted at No. 5 or 6, often coming in during the middle overs, especially when the likes of Virat Kohli or Rishabh Pant were at the crease. However, with India now embracing a more aggressive and flexible approach post the 2024 T20 World Cup, he has found himself walking in earlier than usual. In the England series alone, he has come out to bat in the 12th, 8th, and even as early as the 6th over. This shift seems to be affecting his natural game, as he prefers setting up for a late flourish rather than anchoring from the start.
Batting Order Concerns
Former England captain Kevin Pietersen also weighed in on India’s batting strategy in the Rajkot match, particularly questioning the decision to send Dhruv Jurel at No. 8. “Jurel is a proper batter, and holding him back just to maintain a left-right combination didn’t make sense. The best batters should be given a chance to construct an innings rather than being restricted by match-ups,” Pietersen said on Star Sports.
Pandya’s Bowling No Longer a Key Factor
Another challenge for Pandya is India’s shift towards a more spin-heavy bowling attack, considering the conditions for the upcoming World Cup. With India leaning towards spinners, his medium pace has become less valuable, especially given that his performances with the ball have not been particularly effective in recent months.
England’s strategy in Rajkot further exposed his bowling limitations. While they played cautiously against Mohammed Shami, they aggressively targeted Pandya, taking advantage of his lack of express pace and predictable lines. If his bowling doesn’t deliver breakthroughs, his primary role will be as a batter—one that requires him to adapt to India’s new attacking mindset.
A Crucial Phase for Pandya
Once India’s designated all-rounder and a key figure in the slog overs, Pandya now finds himself at a crossroads. Without his vice-captaincy and with India redefining its T20 approach, he may not have the luxury of building his innings at his preferred pace. As the team embraces a more fearless batting strategy, Pandya must adapt quickly to remain an integral part of India’s T20 future.
