Did MS Dhoni save Hardik Pandya's T20 World Cup 2021 stint? (WATCH)

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is featuring for Team Indian in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup, being held in the United Arab Emirates. However, his selection has been a matter of debate owing to his poor run with the bat. While he scored just 127 runs in 11 innings for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2021 Indian Premier League (IPL) at a mean average of 14.30, he did not contribute as a bowler throughout the tournament due to workload management. In the continuing T20WC, he has just played a game, scoring 11 runs, while he remained unbeaten on 12 and 14 during the two warm-up matches.

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The Indian team for the T20WC was announced during the IPL. As Pandya failed to perform, the selectors gave a thought on dropping him. However, a source has recently told The Times of India that it was legendary former Indian skipper and now the Team India mentor, MS Dhoni, who saved Pandya. He reportedly backed Pandya's finishing abilities and urged the selectors to keep him in the side.

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However, his position in the team continues to remain debatable, as he is yet to contribute as a bowler. Pandya has stated that he would be able to bowl during the knockouts. Pandya's back has been an issue as he cannot bowl full-time. Also, exerting too much pressure while bowling leads to him suffering from a stiff back.

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On the other hand, some feel that having Shardul Thakur in the side would help, as he has been an awesome pacer of late, following his successful stint with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in IPL 2021. Additionally, Thakur has decent hitting abilities with the bat, which could come in handy for Team India over an unstable Pandya.

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Meanwhile, reports suggest that Mumbai is likely to let go of Pandya in the upcoming IPL 2022 mega auction. While he is unlikely to be retained, the franchise would repurchase him, provided he fits in its budget.