Until Hardik Pandya returns, India are likely to have a problem finding a reliable fifth bowler.
The issue was particularly evident in the first T20I against Afghanistan, when Nitish Kumar Reddy and Shivam Dube were asked to share three overs. Between them, they conceded runs at a combined economy rate of 17, while the other Indian bowlers went at just 6.56.
That is a significant difference, and it underlined the challenge India face when they need a fifth bowling option.
There was some improvement in the second game. Dube was not given the final over, with that responsibility instead handed to Reddy. The all-rounder had already made an impact by picking up a wicket with his very first delivery. After two overs, he had figures of 2/13 and, despite being brought back for the 20th over, he struck again with his first ball to dismiss Rashid Khan.
Reddy finished with career-best figures and conceded 12 runs from the over. It was a considerably better outing than Dube’s expensive spell two nights earlier. But it doesn’t completely solve India’s problem.
Reddy has shown that he can contribute with the ball, but his lack of pace could become an issue against stronger batting attacks. Dube, meanwhile, has been expensive on numerous occasions and remains an option India cannot necessarily rely upon in high-pressure situations.
This is where Pandya’s value becomes particularly obvious. He gives India a genuine sixth-batting option while also providing dependable overs, including the ability to bowl at the death. His presence allows the team much greater flexibility with its bowling combinations.
Until he returns, however, India may need to look beyond Reddy and Dube if they want a more reliable fifth-bowling option.
If Pandya does not make it for the Asian Games, captain Shreyas Iyer and the team management could have to explore alternatives. One possible solution is to use Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh for the final four overs, rather than depending on a part-time option at the death.
India have plenty of bowling quality. The question is whether they have enough depth to cover those crucial fifth-bowler and death-overs roles without Pandya.
