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Kaif Questions India’s Left-Heavy Lineup, Hardik at No. 5 Ahead of South Africa Super 8 Opener

He warns that elevating the all-rounder to offset a glut of left-handers could make match-ups predictable.

Overview

  • Former India batter Mohammad Kaif delivered the critique on his YouTube channel on February 20.
  • India enter the Super 8 stage unbeaten and face South Africa on February 22 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
  • Hardik Pandya has batted at No. 5 in two of four group games, scoring 52 against Namibia and 0 against Pakistan, for 87 runs at 21.75 with a 155.35 strike rate.
  • Team management have used Pandya flexibly based on game situations, with his bowling keeping him central to India’s balance.
  • Against the Netherlands he hit 30 off 21 and took 1/40 as India won by 17 runs, underscoring the all-round role under discussion.