R Ashwin Backs Hardik Pandya Amid Trade Speculations

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has backed all-rounder Hardik Pandya, stressing his importance to India’s ODI structure amid ongoing speculation around team combinations and player movement. Speaking during a discussion with cricket analyst Vimal Kumar, Ashwin said India’s preparation for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup will depend heavily on squad balance, with multi-dimensional players such as Pandya likely to remain crucial.

"In the 50-over World Cup, Hardik had such a big role. And the moment he got injured, our plan was that in the back end of the tournament, we would play with three spinners and three fast bowlers. Then Hardik got injured, and our entire combination and the team's balance was gone. We had to play with five bowlers. I think Hardik's experience in South Africa is critical. How we keep him fit and how we give him match game time is very important," Ashwin said in his Ash Ki Baat podcast.

Ashwin noted that Pandya’s value goes beyond individual numbers. As a pace-bowling all-rounder, he provides India with balance across the batting and bowling departments, allowing greater flexibility in team selection. India has often relied on Pandya to strengthen the middle order while also contributing key overs in limited-overs cricket. His role becomes particularly important in ODI cricket, where teams increasingly favour players who can contribute in multiple phases of the game.

Pandya’s ODI record highlights his all-round impact He has scored 1,900+ runs in ODIs at an average of nearly 34, with a strike rate above 110. With the ball, he has taken 90+ wickets, frequently operating as India’s third or fourth seam option. During the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pandya’s injury exposed India’s lack of like-for-like all-round replacements, reinforcing how critical his presence remains in major tournaments. That gap remains a key consideration as selectors build toward 2027

Ashwin and Vimal also discussed the rise of young players, including emerging talent Vaibhav, and how India may gradually transition towards a refreshed ODI core. However, Ashwin suggested the transition must be managed carefully rather than rushed. India’s selectors face the challenge of integrating younger players while retaining proven performers capable of handling the pressure of ICC tournaments.

With the next ODI World Cup approaching in 2027, India’s planning is expected to prioritise role clarity and squad depth. Ashwin’s backing of Pandya reflects a broader selection reality: players who offer multiple skill sets remain indispensable in modern ODI cricket. For India, maintaining a balance between experience and emerging talent could define its preparations over the next two years.