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The ongoing WTC final has given Team India a lot of things to ponder ahead of the upcoming 5-match Test series against England starting in August. From the inability of the batsmen against the lethal Kiwi attack to the lack of swing the Indian bowlers got, the cricket experts have voiced their opinions on India's team selection. After former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar had added that having someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the squad for this match could have been great for the side, the talking point has now shifted to another star player who was dropped for the WTC final.
Should India have included Hardik Pandya for WTC final?
Looking at the conditions in Southampton, commentator Harsha Bhogle questioned if Team India could have considered the option of playing Hardik Pandya - the all-rounder. The 27-year-old has notably been recovering from a shoulder injury and did bowl a few overs in limited-overs series against England.
But considering the magnitude of the match and the impact Pandya could have made with his ability to generate swing and contribute with bat, Bhogle tweeted, "What would India have given to have had Hardik Pandya fit and bowling in this game," suggesting that Virat Kohli's side could have considered him if he was fit and ready to bowl.
In reply, former England captain Michael Vaughan took the opinion to a whole new level as he stated that India will need Hardik Pandya for the upcoming England series, reflecting that they can still consider calling him back for the 5-match Test series scheduled to start in August.
Check out the conversation:
Can the all-rounder return for England series?
Hardik Pandya will be seen in action playing for India during Sri Lanka tour which is scheduled to take place from July 13 to July 25. The all-rounder might want to prove his fitness by bowling in that series and if he makes himself available to bowl in Tests, there is an outside chance that India might consider him sending to England. Although it is very unlikely considering the COVID-19 restrictions and the huge squad that India already have in the UK, it will be very interesting to see if Virat Kohli's calls in for Pandya.
With the 5-match Test series against England starting on August 4 and going on till September 14, it will be very interesting to see if India considers the option of sending Hardik to join the squad in the UK.