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Xtra Time Web Desk: Former India captain MS Dhoni was successful as a captain as he always backed his players in the team. Dhoni, who is the mentor of the Indian team for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 persisted that Hardik Pandya remained in the Indian team. Hardik wouldn't have been a part of the T20 World Cup if it wasn't for MS Dhoni's backing of the player.

The selection committee led by Chetan Sharma made up their mind to send back Hardik after the IPL 2021 in UAE. The reason was the Baroda all rounder’s inability to bowl in the second leg of Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians. But it was Dhoni who wanted Hardik in the World Cup team because of his finishing qualities.  

The loss to Pakistan in the first match of T20 World Cup (Hardik did not bowled) once again opened the debate about the all-rounder’s role in the team. While Hardik hasn't been bowling for a while over the risk of injuring his back, his form with the bat hasn't been impressive either.

As per a report in the Times of India, it has been learned that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors wanted to send Hardik back home from the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE but MS Dhoni, India's mentor for the T20 World Cup 2021, vouched for his finishing skills to ensure of his stay in the team for the showpiece event.

"The truth is that the selectors wanted to send him back to India after he didn't bowl in the IPL, but MS Dhoni (appointed Team India mentor) vouched for his finishing skills," a source was quoted as saying by TOI.

"The whole mystery around his fitness has been going on for the last six months. You're now saying that he has a shoulder injury. In the bargain, you aren't giving a chance to a fit guy. You're playing an unfit guy who isn't useful to the team. It's not right. Because of him, you're neglecting other fit guys who have been performing well,” he further added.

Hardik recently bowled at the Indian nets on Wednesday. He looked to be steaming in at the nets under the watchful eyes of mentor MS Dhoni, Head Coach Ravi Shastri and Captain Virat Kohli. If Hardik can bowl at least a couple of overs, it leaves plenty of options for the Indian team management.

With Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar in the squad, the pressure is mounting on Hardik to start performing with both bat and ball starting with Sunday’s game against New Zealand.