In the lead up to the team’s selection, the chairman of selectors felt that since Pandya was not bowling, sending him to Australia as a batsman would not be feasible.
The decision, TOI has understood, took the team’s management by surprise, as Pandya had scored a lot in the Indian Premier League (IPL). “The selectors, at least some, believed that he couldn’t go because he couldn’t bowling. It was a surprise that they didn’t see the type of batting form he was in. They had to be convinced to include Pandya because he was dropped. in the hands of certain people, it was unlikely to go away, “said tracking events.
Pandya pitched four overs in the second ODI at SCG and chose two wickets. “These are the kind of decisions that show if you can see the big picture. Right now, whether or not you can shoot, Hardik is indispensable in the cue ball format. Between now and the T20 World Cup, this type of selection decision will be very crucial, “added the sources.
The selection committee also failed to identify T Natarajan, the newest star on the horizon for the India team, as a potential member of the game XI in the white ball format. Natarajan was sent to Australia only as a net thrower and entered the team after the injury of Navdeep saini.
However, it was on social media that the bowler, who has come a long way since he was first identified as a prospect in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), came to the attention of the Indian team’s management. On the net, Natarajan’s ability to throw a defined line and length, especially yorkers, the kind that was showcased at the IPL, convinced the team’s management of his abilities.
The pitcher made seven runs in his first international game, the third ODI at the Manuka Oval, and both fields, including Marnus Labuschagne, it didn’t really make a difference. However, back in the networks, he was making great strides. “It was absolutely clear that he would play against the T20 after what they saw on the networks. Mitchell starc in the first game (T20) he cleared up any small doubts there might be, “say the sources.
The Tamil Nadu bowler was the fifth best Indian wicket-taker in the IPL behind only leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who suffered a shoulder injury. “But Natarajan’s ability to throw at the Yorkers at will was so amazing that there is no question that he should have been part of the T20 team. Not just a net shooter. In the end, he got what he deserved,” say fans. . developments.
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