Ravi Shastri gives his advice on how to keep Hardik Pandya full fit for the 20-20 World Cup

The Indian allrounder Hardik Pandya is in the form of his life. Captaining a new team and helping them become champions is a feat many wish to achieve. Pandya has not only impressed with his batting and bowling but made heads turn with his captaincy. Understandably, many wish for him to translate franchise cricket form to the national side as well.

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The popular ex-coach and player Ravi Shastri however believes the board should smartly use the Surat born player and not throw him into every game possible. The legendary commentator has advised the management to not take risks with Pandya by playing him in ODIs and allowing him to showcase his talents in the shortest format.

Talking to Star Sports Game Plan, Shastri said, “He will walk back into that squad for me either as a batter or as an all-rounder. I don’t think he is that badly injured where he cannot bowl you two overs. He has had ample rest and he will continue to have ample rest because that’s the only format he should play going into the World Cup. They shouldn’t take the risk of making him play ODI cricket. “

“Massive, he does the job for two players. A Hardik Pandya playing just as a batter would mean he has to bat in the top four or five but Hardik Pandya playing as an all-rounder, he can bat at five, six, or four and still bowl those two-three overs for you,” said the cricketer turned commentator.

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Pandya has been crucial to Gujarat’s title win this season, with 487 runs and 8 wickets in 15 matches. The batting allrounder is currently preparing for the India- South Africa T20 series which is going to be held from June 9th. India and South Africa play the first of their five-match series in Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi.