Ajit Agarkar has dismissed concerns over Virat Kohli’s strike rate and Hardik Pandya’s form as India prepares for the T20 World Cup in June. Pandya, the preferred seam-bowling all-rounder, is struggling with an ankle injury, affecting his performance in the IPL. However, Agarkar believes in Pandya’s potential and the balance he brings to the team. On the other hand, Kohli has been consistent in the IPL, with his strike rate being questioned by some. Agarkar and Rohit Sharma have laughed off critics, emphasizing the importance of experience in a World Cup campaign.
Despite good performances in the IPL, Agarkar mentions that the league alone does not influence team selection for the World Cup. In anticipation of the West Indies’ turning pitches, India has included specialist spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, along with spin-bowling all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel in the squad. Agarkar also reveals his desire for four spinners, three seamers, including Pandya as the fourth option. The team is set to face Ireland, Pakistan, the United States, and Canada in Group A of the T20 World Cup.
The selection committee is not worried about Pandya’s current form, as they believe in his ability to turn things around before the World Cup begins. Agarkar mentioned that Pandya’s fitness is crucial to the team’s success, and they are hopeful that he will regain form and fitness in time for the tournament. As for Kohli, he has been performing well in the IPL, scoring 500 runs so far, and the selectors have no concerns regarding his strike rate. Experience is key in a World Cup campaign, and Agarkar stresses the importance of not overthinking things.
While Pandya continues to struggle in the IPL, Agarkar remains confident in his abilities and the balance he brings to the squad. With a month left until the team’s first game, there is still time for Pandya to improve his form and fitness. Kohli’s performance in the IPL has been praised, with Agarkar highlighting the importance of his form heading into the T20 World Cup. The team is focused on preparing for the gap between the IPL and the World Cup, where experience will play a crucial role in their success.
In conclusion, despite concerns over Pandya’s form and Kohli’s strike rate, the Indian team remains confident in their abilities heading into the T20 World Cup. Agarkar and the selectors believe in the balance and experience that Pandya and Kohli bring to the team, emphasizing the need to focus on preparation and not overthink things. The squad has been selected with the condition of the pitches in mind, with a focus on spin options for the tournament in the West Indies. India will begin their campaign against Ireland in New York on June 5 and will be looking to make a strong start in Group A of the competition.
