Shardul Thakur will not get a place in the team due to Hardik Pandya, claims former New Zealand Star Shardul Thakur will not get a place in the team due to Hardik Pandya, claims former New Zealand Star

Former New Zealand all-rounder Scott Styris feels it will be difficult for Shardul Thakur to make a comeback in the Indian team, especially with the emergence of Hardik Pandya. Shardul, who did not feature in the white-ball series against England, is one of five fast bowlers in the 16-man Indian squad for the ODI series against the West Indies. Meanwhile, Hardik has been in excellent form for India, and was adjudged 'Man of the Series' against England.

Styris praises Hardik Pandya

Styris feels that Shardul is not as good as star all-rounder Hardik and will have to fight to make a comeback in the team. He said on Sports 18's show 'Sports Over the Top' that the only thing which is beneficial for him is that he bats. Hardik Pandya's emergence as a genuine all-rounder has a downside for the rest of the players. Do you need the style of those two players because Shardul Thakur is not as good as Hardik Pandya. I don't believe in him as an all-rounder.

Shardul is Hardik's backup

Styris also said that Shardul can be considered as Hardik's backup option. He added that he might then be fighting for a backup spot rather than one of the players to play as the frontline. We have seen him play several match-winning innings for India, usually in longer versions of the game. But he has that ability to hit boundaries, end the innings or make the final touch.

Shardul Thakur got a chance in the first ODI

Shardul can play all three matches due to Hardik not being in the team for the ODI against West Indies. Hardik, however, will return to the squad for the five-match T20I against the Windies. Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out of the first two matches due to injury. Shardul Thakur has been included in the playing XI in the first One Day International.