Sanjay Manjrekar raises concerns over India all-rounder's role in upcoming ODI World Cup

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns over Hardik Pandya's role in the team for the World Cup. India will look to end their major trophy drought when they enter the 50-over World Cup this time at home. Everyone will have a look at Hardik's role in the World Cup.

The all-rounder managed scores of 5, 7 and a 70 not out in three 50-over games with just 1 wicket. He ended the T20Is with 77 runs, with a highest score of 24, and bagged 4 wickets. He remained wicketless in the last three games of the 5-match series.

Hardik Pandya's form is a bit of a concern: Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar stated on Star Sports, "Hardik Pandya's form is a bit of a concern. He has to do a lot of heavy work at the World Cup. You need him as an all-rounder and not just as a batter. So you need at least 6-7 overs per game. When India won the 2011 World Cup, it was because of people like Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina being the batters who could bowl."

Hardik expressed his readiness to take on a significantly higher bowling role stating, "My body is fine. I have to bowl more overs and get my workload up for the World Cup. I am a turtle right now, not a rabbit and hoping everything goes right as the World Cup comes on."

India lost their first bilateral series against West Indies in 17 years under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya. succumbed to a 3-2 T20I series defeat against the West Indies; their first-ever in a 5-match series. The T20I skipper took responsibility for the defeat against West Indies.

India have not won the World Cup since the famous night in 2011 when the MS Dhoni-led side defeated Sri Lanka in the final. The hosts have a few areas of concern before heading into the mega tournament. Prior to the World Cup, Team India will take part in the Asia Cup, followed by a three-match ODI series against Australia.