Hardik Pandya is likely to remain in Indian T20 World Cup squad as a batter. Image Source: BCCI

Xtra Time Web Desk: Star all rounder Hardik Pandya is all set to remain in India's T20 World Cup squad purely as a batter. There have been lot of talks about Hardik’s inclusion in the team, but it is now learnt that the Baroda all rounder will be persisted with in the Indian team for T20 World Cup 2021 which gets underway from October 17.

Hardik has not bowled in the ongoing IPL 2021 matches for Mumbai Indians. There were speculations that he might make way for someone like Shardul Thakur who is already in the reserves along with Deepak Chahar and Shreyas Iyer.

Hardik has been troubled with his back due to which he has been not bowling in IPL 2021 matches as a precautionary measure. With India set to play two warm up matches against England and Australia, it is assumed Hardik is likely to bowl in those matches for the team management to assess his condition.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that Kolkata Knight Rider's rising opener-cum-seam bowler Venkatesh Iyer will be asked to stay in the bubble as cover. 

T20 World Cup 2021: Hardik Pandya all set to remain in Indian team as batter ; this player likely to be included as cover