T20 World Cup: Shardul Thakur cannot replace Hardik Pandya in India’s XI for Pakistan clash, says Aakash Chopra

Former India opener Aakash Chopra feels that Shardul Thakur cannot replace Hardik Pandya in India’s playing XI for the high octane clash against Pakistan, as the CSK pacer has not scored enough runs with the bat in the shortest format of the game.

Just days before the T20 World Cup began, Shardul Thakur, a reserve, was promoted to the final 15, while Axar Patel was downgraded to a reserve. And it’s easy to understand why. Thakur was the highest wicket-taker for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL 2021 season, with 21 scalps, and has been outstanding for India with both bat and ball in the past year.

“Shardul Thakur cannot play in place of Hardik Pandya. Where has he [Shardul] scored runs in T20s? For whom? He has not played a knock like that for CSK as well and let’s be honest, we don’t have an all-rounder,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“Shardul cannot bat at No.6 and No.7 is also too high for him if you keep Jaddu at No.6. We have only seen his run-scoring form in Test cricket. So Hardik is certain to play.”

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