Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has concerns over Hardik Pandya’s fitness ahead of IPL 2022 qualifiers against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Eden Gardens on Tuesday. He also added that the Gujarat Titans (GT) captain not bowling regularly is a concern for Team India.
Pandya has bowled only 24.3 overs in IPL 2022 so far, claiming four wickets at an average of 47.75 and an economy rate of 7.80. He impressed with his pace in the initial couple of matches but then did not bowl in a few games due to fitness issues.
Although the medium-pacer opened the bowling for Gujarat in their last three matches, he did not complete his quota of four overs in any of the games. Sharing his views on Hardik Pandya’s inconsistent bowling on Sportskeeda, Mohammad Kaif said:
“Hardik not bowling regularly is a cause for concern because when he is selected for India, it is as an all-rounder. He has been picked for the upcoming South Africa series but he hasn’t looked fully fit while bowling. He has not bowled in every game, in some matches he has bowled only a couple of overs. The question mark over whether he can give you four overs in every match remains.”
Incidentally, Hardik Pandya made a comeback to international cricket for the first time since the T20 World Cup last year. He was included in the 18-member squad for the five T20Is against South Africa, scheduled to commence on June 9.
“I am expecting a big knock from Saha” – Mohammad Kaif on GT wicket-keeper
Gujarat’s wicket-keeper batter has been in scintillating form in the ongoing IPL 2022, scoring consistently at the top order. Mohammad Kaif complimented Wriddhiman Saha for not letting the recent off-field controversies affect his game.
“Personally, I am very happy for Saha. He is a very hard-working player. He has had ups and downs in life and, recently, was in the news for a controversy. He is a good Test wicketkeeper but is not being selected. He was not picked for the earlier games but he grabbed the chance once it came his way. It’s his home ground and he’s is good rhythm, so I am expecting a big knock from Saha,” he concluded.
