Not too long ago, when the Indian cricket team was knocked out of the T20 World Cup 2021 before even making it into the knockout stage, the world was after Hardik Pandya’s life for not being able to bowl his share of overs.

Now, that doubt and hate towards the Indian all-rounder seem to be fading, especially with the kind of significant improvement and stability that Pandya has shown as a bowler in the first two matches of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League.

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Just the fact that the Gujarat Titans skipper was able to complete his four-over quota in both the matches while looking healthy enough to bat and continue fielding on the ground, shows how much his back has improved since undergoing surgery to get rid of a career-threatening back injury.

In GT’s most recent match against Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals, Pandya was not only able to dismiss the opener Tim Seifert, but he also managed to clock a 141.1kmph delivery as the last ball of his spell, which is a magnificent achievement in itself, considering the fact that the medical staff of the Men in Blue were too afraid to even see him on the field a couple of months ago.

Hardik Pandya's final ball of his spell clocked 141.4kmph. what a return with the ball by Hardik.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 2, 2022

Pandya has always been the number one choice for the Indian cricket team as an all-rounder. When healthy, he is compared to the legendary Kapil Dev’s talent and skillset. However, back when his bowling was aloof, a younger and promising Venkatesh Iyer was brought into the team with the hopes of filling in Pandya’s shoes.

To be fair to the 27-year-old, his rise through the ranks while playing for Kolkata Knight Riders allowed him the confidence to deliver some good performances for the national team as well. 

Since debuting in 2021, Iyer has played 9 T20Is and 2 ODis while scoring 133 and 24 runs, respectively. He has also taken five international wickets in the shortest format of the game.

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Having said that, the selectors, BCCI officials and fans, in general, were always certain about the fact that Iyer’s journey with Team India will be a short one and once Pandya finds his health and mojo back, there were no two ways about his return to the squad, which only meant Iyer’s ouster.

And when Pandya stuck a 141.1kmph bowl on Saturday, fans were convinced that the day of his return as one of the Men in Blue is closer than most had imagined. 

As a result, they have already started making farewell arrangements for Iyer.

Hardik Pandya #DCvsGT | #DCvsGT pic.twitter.com/5vItqgwWrq

— Ritik (@Ritik800) April 2, 2022

Hardik Pandya bowling full 4 overs in both games and Venky Iyer yet to fire means Pandya comes back to his place if he remains fit !

— sam (@indoriitweeter) April 3, 2022

What If Hardik Pandya makes it Confirmed return back into Indian Team Cricket squad!!

Who will sit outside?

Deepak Chahar too played some very good knocks recently with ball & bat both.

Lord thakur is already famous

Sir Jadeja can't sit outside now

Venky Iyer in trouble

— Ankit Mehta (@Anki4uever) April 3, 2022

Basis current form Hardik will easily reclaim his place back in both the white ball sides and give us a boost for the world cup. Venkatesh Iyer was a decent replacement but his bowling leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

— Nishith Pandya (@nishith_pandya) April 3, 2022

many people especially mi fans thought that hardik is gone and now venky iyer to replace him but thats where you are wrong baby. redemption of hardik pandya.

— vk18king𓃵 (@Viratiansworld1) April 2, 2022

It is also worth noting that Hardik Pandya, the Gujarat Titans captain, has won both his IPL contests so far, first against KL Rahul’s Lucknow SuperGiants by five wickets and then against Delhi Capitals by 14 runs.

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