(Cricket news) India on Wednesday defeated Hong Kong by 40 runs and became the 2nd team after Afghanistan to qualify for the Super 4s. In the first match against Pakistan, Hardik Pandya stole the show and was instrumental in India's win. He was not a part of the playing XI against Hong Kong as Rohit Sharma said that he was rested. The decision to rest Pandya for a game in the tournament is a clear indication by the management. Hardik Pandya is without question the most important player for India in T20s. Pandya's ability with both bat and ball along with the fact that India doesn't have a direct replacement who can bowl upto 140 KMPH and bat with a strike rate of over 200.

India has a jam packed schedule and there is no time for rest. After wrapping up the Asia Cup, the men in blue have a back to back 3-match home T20 series against Australia and South Africa. India will then play South Africa in 3 ODIs where they might use their B squad. After that the side went straight into the T20 World Cup. It is not practical for Pandya to play all these games and perhaps Hong Kong was the only weak team he was due to face. Rohit Sharma did give 1 over to Virat Kohli which could be something we will see more often especially when Hardik Pandya isn't playing. 

Now the focus is on whiteball but when India eventually plays Test cricket, the selectors would definitely like the services of Hardik Pandya, especially when touring SENA countries. Prioritising Pandya's fitness is going to be very important for both the selectors and the management. Pandya needs to avoid any sort of injuries which could affect his bowling fitness which means that he will have to be wrapped in wool. The all-rounder is likely to play against Pakistan/Hong Kong in India's 1st Super 4s clash on Sunday but there might be games in the middle where will not be bowling.

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