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The selectors’ decision to ignore Hardik Pandya for Tests is understandable: Sarandeep Singh
Hardik Pandya who is hailed as the most prolific all-rounder in Indian cricket nowadays has been ruled out of the 20-member Indian squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, to be held in Southampton from 18th to 22nd June. Defending The selectors’ decision to ignore Hardik Pandya for Tests is understandable Former Indian selector Sarandeep Singh does not seem to be surprised. He has opined that if Hardik cannot be used as a bowler then he did not deserve to be in the 20-member squad.
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Sarandeep Singh in his explanation has stated that as an all-rounder Hardik must have been in a position to bowl consistently along with batting. Following his surgery, Hardik has not been able to bowl his scheduled 10 overs in a One-Day International match and scheduled four overs in a Twenty20 international match. According to former Indian selector, in The selectors’ decision to ignore Hardik Pandya for Tests is understandable Hardik cannot get into the team with only his batting. Sarandeep has commented, "Playing only as a batsman will affect the balance of the team." The selector also explained that now, in the 20-member Indian squad there are able all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar. Sarandeep has also added that Shardul Thakur can also play the role of the all-rounder and if R. Ashwin gets into the playing eleven he is effective also as a batsman. So, if Hardik cannot bowl these players can do both the jobs with bat and bowl.
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However, Sarandeep, the former spinner has expressed surprise over the exclusion of Prithvi Shaw from even the list of standby players.
