Categories: Sports

IND vs SA, T20 World Cup 2026: Is Hardik Pandya at No. 5 the Right Call? Mohammad Kaif Questions India’s Batting Order

Mohammad Kaif has raised concerns about Hardik Pandya batting at number five before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Super 8 stage. He believes promoting Pandya to maintain a left-right combination may make India’s strategy predictable. Pandya has delivered mixed results but remains flexible in his role as India prepare to face South Africa.

Published by Shubham Madaan
Published: February 20, 2026 17:56:25 IST

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has started a fresh debate about India’s batting order before the Super 8 stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He questioned why Hardik Pandya is batting at number five, saying the decision may not be as simple as it looks. India are unbeaten so far and will begin their Super 8 campaign against South Africa. Even though the team is winning, there are still some concerns about the batting order. Kaif pointed out that Hardik does not usually bat at number five. He explained that in the match against Namibia in Delhi, Pandya was promoted because India had too many left-hand batters at the top. The team wanted to maintain a left-right combination to make it harder for bowlers to settle.

Kaif said that having too many left-handers can make things easier for the opposition. Bowlers can plan better if they know most batters use the same hand. Because of this, Hardik was moved up the order to balance the batting line-up. In the group stage, Hardik batted at number five in two out of four matches. He scored 52 runs against Namibia but was out for zero against Pakistan. Overall, he scored at a strike rate of 155.35, with an average of 21.75 in four matches. While these numbers are not best , they show that he has tried to play aggressively and support the team’s strategy. In another match against the Netherlands, he scored a quick 30 runs and also took one wicket. India won that match by 17 runs.

Hardik’s role has changed depending on the situation. In some games, he has finished the innings, while in others he has come in earlier to stabilize the team. This shows that his position is flexible and part of a larger strategy. As India prepare for tougher matches in the Super 8 stage, starting in Ahmedabad, Hardik’s performance at number five will be very important. It will decide whether this tactical move works or creates more questions.