The Men in Blue will play Sri Lanka in their 2nd Super 4 stage match. The Lankans are high on confidence after a victory against Afghanistan, whereas India endured a five-wicket defeat against Pakistan.
It is a do-or-die match for India, as a loss would result in their elimination.
Several experts have given views about the changes needed for the upcoming game. The latest to opine on the matter is India’s Test cricket specialist Cheteshwar Pujara.
Talking with ESPN Cricinfo, Pujara slammed the Indian management for overusing Hardik Pandya.
Pandya, who was the player of the match in the first match against Pakistan, had a terrible outing in the next contest.
The 28-year-old all-rounder was dismissed for a duck and conceded 44 runs in his four overs but took the crucial wicket of Mohammad Rizwan.
Assessing Pandya’s poor bowling display, Pujara came to his teammate’s defense and said, “The management should have opted for an extra bowler and not completely rely on Pandya as the 5th bowler.”
“You cannot ask Pandya to bowl four overs every match. He should not be your 5th bowler. It would be better if Hardik is used as a 6th bowler,” reckoned Pujara.
Pujara further concluded by heaping praise on Mohammad Nawaz, who won the player of the match for his 20-ball 42 runs.
“Pakistan played well and were smart in promoting Nawaz up the order. He was the ‘X-factor’ in the match.