Former Indian wicket-keeper batter Parthiv Patel believes Rohit Sharma won’t ask Hardik Pandya to bowl in the team’s second match of the Asia Cup 2022 in order to manage the all-rounder’s workload. Pandya delivered the goods with both bat and ball in the first game against Pakistan as he scalped three wickets in his quota of four overs.

Furthermore, the right-hander scored a match-winning knock of 33 runs off just 17 balls to get India over the line in the run chase of 148 runs. Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has proved his bowling fitness in the recent past as he has been bowling consistently over 140 kmph.

Pandya didn’t bowl regularly in the IPL but since then he has been bowling his quota of overs. The all-rounder has made a sublime return after injury as he has been ticking the right boxes with both bat and ball.

Patel feels India should consider playing Deepak Hooda in place of Hardik Pandya in the match against Hong Kong. Hooda has also been performing consistently with the bat and he can also bowl off-spin if needed.

Patel said on Cricbuzz, “I don’t see Hardik Pandya bowling against Hong Kong. So there’s no point in making him play if he is not going to bowl. We know what he can do with the bat and is high on confidence. He is fielding well and bowling well. So, if he isn’t playing, then Deepak Hooda could come in.”

On the other hand, former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja feels young players like Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi will want their opportunities against Hong Kong. Both of these players have been coming up with decent performances whenever they are getting their chances.

Jadeja said, “Deepak Hooda and Ravi Bishnoi are young guys and would want a game against anyone. So, they are not going to see it this way that the No.6 might not get to bat, or a bowler who bowls in the latter stages might not have wickets left. They would want an opportunity and they would love it.”

India will face Hong Kong in the fourth match of Asia Cup 2022 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.