Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri had once said that Hardik Pandya’s body cannot cope with Test cricket. He had further opined that the all-rounder should take up white-ball captaincy if he was fit enough. Now, 1983 World Cup winning skipper Kapil Dev has spoken on the same and seems to have a opinion that varies from Ravi Shastri’s.
Kapil Dev backs Hardik Pandya
Reacting to Ravi Shastri’s comment to The Week earlier this year, Kapil Dev questioned the former’s opinion. Further, he said that it was possible for a player to make a comeback to top condition, although he respected Shastri’s opinon.
Talking about Shastri’s comment, Dev told The Week, “I respect his (Shastri’s statement, but why? Nobody has had more breakdowns than Dennis Lillee. So I don’t believe that. Human body can come back from any corner, come back into top condition. If you say Hardik Pandya who is such a great athlete, looks so good. If he has to work hard on his body, he has to work hard.”
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IND vs WI 2nd ODI
After blowing away the hosts and going 1-0 up in the series, India hopes to continue their dominance. Shai Hope and Co will look to make a comeback and level the series at 1-1. The match will be played at the same venue, Kensington Oval. Hardik Pandya will lead the side in the abscence of Rohit Sharma.
“We were looking to bat first. We want to see how much we can score on this pitch. Rohit and Virat have been playing constant cricket, so they are resting. I think when you get someone out for 115, it’s a good sign. Our catching was impressive, but we can improve in certain areas,” skipper Hardik Pandya said at the toss.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested, skipper Hardik Pandya confirmed at the toss.
READ | Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli rested, Hardik leads, Sanju & Axar in for 2nd ODI
India’s playing XI
India (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Ishan Kishan(w), Sanju Samson, Hardik Pandya(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Umran Malik, Mukesh Kumar
West Indies playing XI
Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Alick Athanaze, Shai Hope(w/c), Shimron Hetmyer, Keacy Carty, Romario Shepherd, Yannic Cariah, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales
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