Rohit Sharma Meets Ajit Agarkar, Hardik Pandya's T20 World Cup Fate Discussed In 2-Hour-Long Meeting: Reports

The Men in Blue have begun their preparations for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. India captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid and chairman of the BCCI Selection Committee Ajit Agarkar met in Mumbai last week to discuss India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad. One of the main agendas for the two-hour-long meeting in the middle of the IPL 2024 season was Hardik Pandya's place in the T20 World Cup squad. There is still some time before the selectors pick India's final 15 for the showpiece event slated to take place in the USA and West Indies right after the IPL 2024 season finishes. However, the Indian team management is concerned about Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness.

Big question on Hardik Pandya's selection for the T20 World Cup

The Mumbai Indians captain, who is under immense pressure both on and off the field, has been below-par in the IPL 2024 season so far. Hardik Pandya has scored just 131 runs in 6 matches. Barring that one whirlwind knock against RCB, where he scored 21* off just 6 balls, there have been questions over his approach in the middle overs, where he has failed to score at a desired strike rate. Rohit, Dravid and Agarkar's concerns are more about his bowling.

Skipper Pandya perishes to a well-directed bouncer by Tushar Deshpande 🎯#MIvCSK #TATAIPL #IPLonJioCinema pic.twitter.com/Jdqt58uNUx

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 14, 2024

Not many in the current Indian white ball set-up can perform Hardik Pandya's role as a batter in T20s while assuring four overs as the third seamer of the side. That is where Hardik is unique and adds balance to the playing XI. In the 11 overs that Hardik has bowled in the IPL 2024 season, he has picked up only three wickets and leaked runs at 12 runs an over. While there isn't any fitness-related issue with his bowling, his form remains a concern. According to the reports, the selectors will only consider Hardik Pandya for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup if he bowls well regularly in the IPL 2024 season.

Still can't get over #ThalaDharisanam from last night 🙌#MIvCSK #TATAIPL #IPLonJioCinema pic.twitter.com/vNwu4fq6Jp

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 15, 2024

Due to the Impact Player rule in the IPL, having an extra bowler available can make it difficult to expect four overs from Hardik every match. There are concerns among selectors and team management regarding Hardik's bowling and fitness. It is crucial for him to perform well in the remainder of the IPL 2024 season for both MI and himself. The Mumbai Indians are facing a series of setbacks despite their illustrious history and five-time championship status. The team is in eighth place with only four points, winning two out of six matches. Hardik Pandya has been unable to guide them towards success.