Shoaib Akhtar has stated that Hardik Pandya can become India’s T20I skipper in the future as he has done an exceptional job in IPL. Meanwhile, Hardik’s injury concerns again made headlines, as Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper missed a match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK), on Sunday, April 17.
GT’s stand-in captain Rashid Khan said that Hardik had some groin injury and the team management didn’t want to risk it. Furthermore, the 28-years old all-rounder has faced several fitness issues in the last couple of years. Many questions were raised over Pandya’s fitness, bowling, and bowling speed.
Coming over all the physical challenges he had, Pandya has been a brilliant skipper and excellent player, throughout the tournament, so far. But, his absence in the CSK clash again raised queries.
Regarding Hardik’s current injury concerns, former Pakistan pace gun Shoaib Akhtar recalled how he had warned Hardik Pandya, a few years back and expressed his views on Pandya’s future. While Akhtar told the same thing to Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pacer hasn’t captured as many injuries as Pandya.
Talking to Sportskeeda, Akhtar recalled his warning to Pandya. He said, “I had told Jasprit Bumrah in Dubai and even Hardik Pandya. They were lean like birds. They didn’t have back muscles. I have such good strong back muscles behind my shoulders”
“I touched his (Hardik) back, muscles were there but very lean. So, I warned him that he would get injured. But he said that he has been playing a lot of cricket. He got injured in the same match,” Akhtar added.
Hardik Pandya can be the biggest brand: ShoainAkhtar
The Rawalpindi Express confessed that Hardik Pandya can become the ‘biggest brand’ in Indian cricket if he manages his fitness well. Akhtar moreover stated that the all-rounder can become India’s T20I skipper in the future as his leadership skills are on display, in IPL 2022.
He quoted, “Hardik Pandya can be the biggest brand in Indian cricket. He wants to be recognized as one of the key cricketers of India.”
On the other hand, it was no different for Gujarat Titans as David Miller’s rare and spectacular inning of 94 (51) was everything. Stand-in skipper Rashid Khan too, lit up the show, with 40 runs off 21 balls. Titans won the thriller against CSK, by three wickets. Currently, they are at the top of the points table, winning five out of six games played.
Written by Prachi Pisal
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