Aakash Chopra believes Hardik Pandya is the key to Indian team's balance for the Asia Cup 2022

Hardik Pandya is proving himself to be a genuine all-rounder for the Indian team. His performances, with the bat and the ball, in recent times have been excellent. He made a comeback to the Indian team on the backs of a great season in the Indian T20 League 2022, where he led the Gujarat team to a season win.

Former India batter Aakash Chopra described Hardik Pandya as a player India cannot replace because he gives the balance that the team requires with his ability with both the bat and the ball. Chopra stressed the importance of being cautious in how India uses Hardik to avoid any injuries.

"It's an insurance policy. He is performing very well. No doubt about that. But be mindful of one thing. Hardik Pandya is the only player in that squad who is providing that balance,"  Chopra said about Hardik bowling all four overs on Star Sports after India's squad for the upcoming Asia Cup was announced.

Chopra stated that while Hardik may be allowed all four overs in key matches, he should be treated with caution in games against certain opponents. "Without him, all the well-laid plans will fall apart. Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, even Jasprit Bumrah you can manage to find a replacement for them. But if Hardik Pandya is not there you cannot make that XI," he continued.

"So maybe against Pakistan he can bowl four overs, but not against teams like Afghanistan or Sri Lanka," he added.

The Asia Cup 2022 is ready to begin in just a few days. The multi-team tournament will begin on August 27th and will go on till September 11th. India will begin its campaign against archrival Pakistan on August 28th.

India's squad for the Asia Cup 2022

Rohit Sharma (C), KL Rahul (VC), Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant(Wk), Deepak Hooda, Dinesh Karthik (Wk), Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Ravi Bishnoi, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan