ICC World Cup 2019: Who should India choose between Hardik Pandya and Vijay Shankar?

With the biggest cricketing event, the ICC World Cup 2019 around the corner, India, just like any other team, are looking to zero down on their 15 member squad. Through consistent experimentation over the past few years, the team management has successfully developed a pool of talented players primarily for this very marquee event at the home of cricket, England, this summer.

And just when, the Men in Blue appeared well-settled and perfectly balanced, especially with the blissful discovery of fast bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya, they were jolted by his unexpected injury during the Asia Cup 2018. Ravindra Jadeja was the beneficiary then. A few months later, once again, the much-desired all-rounder was again out of the team, this time not for an injury but for his controversial remarks on national television. Like in the previous occasion, it gave an opportunity to another all-rounder, Vijay Shankar. And the Tamil Nadu player made the most out of the opportunity during India’s tour of Australia and New Zealand. In fact, his series of impressive performances have given the Indian selectors a pleasant headache of the ‘problem of plenty’ just ahead of the mega event.

With Hardik fit again, the team management named both the exciting all-rounders for India’s last international cricketing assignment, a home series against Australia. However, just before the series started, Hardik has ruled out again due to back stiffness, and yet again, the opportunity went straight to Vijay. The 28-year-old player has grasped the opportunity with both hands and has performed exceptionally well so far in the series.

Considering the fact that only 15 players can board the flight to England, it is worth looking as to who would be the best choice between the two all-rounders for the ICC World Cup 2019.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

After the great all-rounder Kapil Dev, India appears to have finally discovered a genuine pace bowling all-rounder in Hardik. He has been a vital player for India since making his international debut in 2016.

Let’s review what works and what does not in his favour.

Experience

A high intense cricketing event, the ICC World Cup 2019 does not only require skills but also temperament and pressure handling, and it comes only with time. As of now, he has been a part of close to 100 International matches (11 Tests, 45 ODIs, 38 T20Is) and though, it may not look that many when compared against the likes of MS Dhoni (528 International matches) or Virat Kohli (368 International matches), but it is still is a good number of matches to learn the art of excelling in international cricket.

Pace bowling

His medium pace bowling gives India the much-needed 3rd/4th pace bowling option in seaming conditions in England. Considering the fact that the pitches are expected to suit the pacers more often than not, his contribution could be extremely vital in winning the games. More importantly, his inclusions will allow the team management to play their preferred bowling unit.

Aggressive batting

Another element he brings into the team is his aggressive batting style. Not only does he strengthen the lower-middle order but his destructive batting trait promises to give India a flying finish in the last few overs.

Lacks consistency

Though he has displayed potential, he has only managed to transform it into performance every now and then. The Baroda player lacks consistency, and it definitely is an area to work on. Without a doubt, his inconsistency is a big concern moving towards the mega event.

Frequent back injury

The ICC World Cup 2019 is a long intense tournament and will require every player to be at their peak of fitness level to deliver match-winning performances. Being an all-rounder, he is expected to be one of the fittest. But unfortunately, Hardik’s frequent back issues in the past 6 months is a big worry for the team management. Any injury during the marquee event will be a major setback and will have an adverse impact on India’s chances of winning the tournament.

Vijay Shankar

Vijay Shankar

On the other hand, Hardik’s replacement Vijay Shankar has not let the opportunities pass by. With his limited outing, the Tamil Nadu man has managed to impress the selectors on almost every occasion. Let’s review what works and what does not in his favour for his selection.

Strengthens the middle order

Though he is a pace bowling all-rounder, the team management has entrusted him more with the bat than the bowling. With his excellent batting performances, the team management may just consider him to strengthen India’s biggest concern this season – the very wobbly middle order. In fact, he may just end up playing at the most talked about batting slot - the number 4 spot, considering Ambati Rayudu’s inconsistent performances.

Inexperience

Though, he has performed up to the expectations of the team management however has played very limited (15 International matches). Considering the mega event, team India will ideally want an experienced player to absorb the intense pressure and deliver results for the team.

Not impressive with bowling yet

Apart from the very last successful over in the recently concluded 2nd ODI against Australia, he has not set the world on fire with his bowling. Despite being a pace bowling all-rounder, he has not really made a big impression with his bowling skills and leaves a lot to be desired on that front. Though he looks promising, he is yet to prove himself as a genuine bowling option. Until and unless he turns things around in the remaining 3 ODIs with his bowling, at this stage, the team management will not be able to rely on him being a genuine bowling option.

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Final word

It may sound interesting to compare the two all-rounders, however, at this stage of their respective careers, they offer different services to Team India. Hardik Pandya is more of a bowling all-rounder, who can smash the ball around in the last overs, whereas Vijay Shankar has proved himself to be a lot more of a batting all-rounder, who can bowl 4-5 overs in the game. Considering their all-round skills, it will not be surprising if they both make it to India’s 15 member squad for the ICC World Cup