Playing Hardik Pandya was India's biggest setback, says former Pakistan skipper Inzamam ul-Haq

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam ul-Haq cited the inclusion of all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the playing XI as one of India’s biggest setbacks in their T20 World Cup 2021 opener against Pakistan. According to Inzamam, India did not get the right combination because they lacked a sixth bowler who could have served as a backup to the five main bowlers. India were defeated by Pakistan by ten wickets in their opening T20 World Cup match, their first defeat against their neighbours in any World Cup competition after 12 consecutive victories.

“India’s biggest setback was because they played Hardik Pandya. India were not right with their team selection. Babar Azam knew exactly what he was doing with his XI but India were not,” Inzamam said on his YouTube channel.

HARDIK APPEARED TO BE IN DISCOMFORT DURING THE MATCH AGAINST PAKISTAN

Hardik, who walked in to bat at No.7 on Sunday in Dubai and scored 11 runs off 8 balls, injured his shoulder while attempting a pull shot off Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 19th over of India’s innings. He immediately grabbed his arm and did not appear to be at ease. The all-rounder did not take the field and was taken to the hospital for scans. Pandya grabbing his shoulder and indicating that he was hurt, according to Inzamam, was not a good sign. It gave the impression that India was under attack.

“I did not think it was the right thing for Pandya to point towards his shoulder after being hit. When you play a high-voltage match like this, you don’t give a clue to the opposition even when you are hurt. I have seen Indian players like Sachin Tendulkar get hit but they didn’t used to rub that part. They gave no clue that they were hurt. I immediately got a clue that India were under pressure when Pandya grabbed his shoulders. That was not a good sign. He didn’t come out field, didn’t bowl,” said the former Pakistan batter.

Inzamam explained that India’s chances were harmed by the lack of a sixth bowler, putting captain Virat Kohli under a lot of pressure. He described how Pakistan skipper Babar Azam made good use of his multiple bowling options, including the experienced Mohammad Hafeez, to get two overs out of the way.

LONG WAIT FOR INZAMAM

Inzamam also stated that he had waited 30 years to witness Pakistan defeat India in a World Cup match.

“I had waited for this for 30 years and some have waited even longer. Pakistan outclassed India in all departments. Pakistan dominated from the first ball to the last. Not a single thing went against Pakistan. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf did well with the ball. Hasan Ali went for runs but his aggression was good. Rizwan and Babar unbroken partnership was brilliant,” the former Pakistan skipper said.