Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra feels that selectors might make changes to India’s 15-member squad selected for the upcoimng T20 World Cup. The showpiece event is scheduled to commence from October 17 and team India will start
their campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 24. Based on performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s form has been concern.

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Pandya was picked in the World Cup squad on the basis of his all-round
ability. But the 28-year-old has not bowled a single over in IPL
2021 and his batting form is not great at the moment. Pandya has only scored 127 runs in 12 games this season.

Recently in
a video posted on his YouTube channel Aakash Chopra admitted that his presence
in the playing 11 would affect the balance of team. So, he might not be
retained in the final India squad for T20 World Cup.

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 “When Hardik Pandya was picked in the 15
for the T20 World Cup, the selectors assumed he would be bowling. That’s why
they named only three fast bowlers in the squad. Hardik was supposed to be used
as the fourth bowler,” Chopra said.

The 15-member squad includes only three fast bowlers and Pandya was considered as a
sixth bowling option.

“I am
told, I don’t know for sure, that the selectors were given a guarantee Hardik
would start bowling soon. But Rohit Sharma recently confirmed that he hasn’t
bowled a single ball yet. So, he’s not bowling, and his batting form is
absolutely absent.” 

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With Pandya not
providing a sixth bowling option, Chopra believes that Chennai Super King’s (CSK) Shardul Thakur, who is selected as standby player, could replace him in the squad. 

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“He
(Hardik) might not be in the team. Things can change radically. Six months back
he was our most valuable asset. But now, it won’t be a surprise if Shardul
Thakur comes in. The balance of the side has been affected because Bhuvneshwar
Kumar’s form is 50:50. That leaves India with only Bumrah and Shami,”
added Chopra