Suryansh Shedge Floats Ajit Agarkar The Hardik Pandya Cure

Shedge has been impressive in tri-series tournament [Source: AFP, @Abhinav_hariom/X.COM]

A few years ago, the statement that Hardik Pandya is irreplaceable in ODIs would have stood true, but not now. No player is bigger than the game, and perhaps, the Indian side was a bit laidback in terms of finding Hardik’s long-term successor in the white-ball format.

There is no denying that Hardik Pandya will go down as one of the best white-ball all-rounders India has ever produced. In fact, he might just rank below Kapil Dev, and it showcases the volume of runs he has scored and the wickets he has taken to help India win matches.

However, in the last few years, things have been different for the Baroda all-rounder. Injuries have taken a toll on his body, and the all-rounder has hardly played 50-over matches since the 2023 World Cup.

Injuries have taken a toll on Hardik Pandya as India find successor

Hardik has been an injury-prone player for India, and he first suffered a serious back injury during the Asia Cup 2018. It hampered his red-ball career as the Indian all-rounder shifted his focus towards a white-ball career.

He made a triumphant return from the injury, but during the 2023 World Cup, Hardik sustained a serious left ankle injury against Bangladesh, and he was subsequently ruled out of the tournament.

In the IPL 2026, Hardik missed quite a few games due to a back injury, and with age, such injuries continue to recur. At 32, the hard-hitting batter is not getting any younger, and perhaps the team management should groom his successor, keeping in mind the 2027 World Cup.

Could Suryansh Shedge be Hardik's successor in ODIs?

There is Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is the front-runner to become Hardik Pandya’s ODI successor, but there is also a dark horse, who nobody talks about- the hard-hitting batter, Suryansh Shedge.

An explosive middle-order batter, and the reason why Mumbai won the SMAT title, Shedge has quietly become a key figure for the Mumbai domestic team and the Punjab Kings in the IPL.

What Indian team management should look at when finding Hardik’s ODI successor?

• They need an explosive batter who can take down any attack with utmost ease and can play as a finisher. Shedge fits the bill perfectly, and it has been evident during the ongoing Sri Lanka tri-series, where the Indian player has certainly been the team’s best batter.
• They also need someone who can bowl in the middle-overs and can take wickets, and Shedge has been impressive with his right-arm medium pace bowling.

Also Read: BCCI Breaks Silence On Hardik Pandya's Replacement

• The Indian side also needs a player who can score runs at a rapid rate in the death overs, and this is another checklist fulfilled by the Mumbai batter.

Shedge backs the statement with stellar numbers

In the ongoing tri-nation series against Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan A teams, Shedge has been India’s best player, and the stats reveal the story.

(Shedge in ongoing tri-series)

• The right-handed player has become India’s crisis man in the ongoing tour, and in just three matches, he has slammed 138 runs, with an astonishing strike rate of 128.97.
• He has scored runs in every game, and the all-rounder also has a fifty under his name in the ongoing tournament.

Not only in the tri-series, but the 23-year-old has brilliant numbers in List-A cricket as well, and here are the numbers.

(Shedge stats in List-A)

• 12 matches played, 177 runs scored with a strike rate of 102 define the Mumbaikar’s stats. Moreover, not only with the bat, but Shedge has also delivered with the ball, picking up 9 wickets in the process.
• His ability to make quick runs in the middle-overs and take wickets at crucial junctures makes him a valuable Hardik Pandya replacement in the ODI format.

Conclusion

Hardik Pandya may still be India’s best white-ball all-rounder by a country mile, but in recent years, injuries have hit him hard, and he might not be one hundred percent for the World Cup 2027.

With 1.5 years left for the marquee event, India still has enough time to find a replacement, and Suryansh Shedge, who has done well for PBKS, Mumbai, and India A, could be a solid choice. He has similar skillsets, and has the patience level required to be the future best in the business.

Also Read: India Women Handed Brutal Reality For T20 World Cup Despite Big Win Over Pakistan