Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, emphasized that the national team is far from complete without the dynamic all-rounder Hardik Pandya. As India prepares to face New Zealand in a five-match T20I series, which also serves as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2026, Chopra praised Pandya’s unique contributions on both batting and bowling fronts. He stated, “India cannot function optimally without Hardik Pandya. He is unparalleled globally; no one else in the country can deliver what he does with both bat and ball.” Chopra further noted that Pandya’s ability to bowl effectively with the new ball and in the death overs sets him apart. “While you might want to include spinners like Varun Chakaravarthy or Kuldeep Yadav, you also need a solid batsman at number eight. Hardik is that rare talent who can fulfill multiple roles. He made a significant impact by bowling the final over in the victorious 2024 T20 World Cup. No one else can replicate that,” he added. As India approaches this series with its core squad, Chopra believes it’s pivotal for Suryakumar Yadav and his team. He acknowledged that New Zealand has also come well-prepared, having rested players during the ODI series but bringing their main T20 squad for this match-up. “Key questions remain about their lineup: Will they opt for two pacers and three spinners? Is Tilak Varma fit enough? Will Rinku Singh get a chance, or will Shreyas Iyer continue? There are numerous decisions to make before the series starts,” Chopra explained. The first T20I match is set to take place on Wednesday at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
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