Sunil Gavaskar says Hardik Pandya is irreplaceable

Sunil Gavaskar said Hardik Pandya is irreplaceable and urged India to stop looking for a like-for-like replacement. The former captain said the team should play at least four specialist bowlers and use the fifth and sixth slots for all-rounders who can contribute with the bat rather than compromise bowling strength to extend the batting line-up.

Gavaskar made the remarks after the West Indies T20I series exposed gaps in India's death bowling and middle-over control. He praised Naman Dhir's versatility but warned against forcing players into roles that dilute the attack.

The comments come as India prepares for a five-match T20I series in New Zealand starting October 22 with neither Jasprit Bumrah nor Hardik Pandya available.