Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is on the road to recovery from the back injury. He will return to action in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League which commences from March 29. Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond hopes that the star all-rounder gets some game time ahead of the mega event.

The 26-year-old has been out of action owing to an injury that has been bothering him since 2018. The Baroda cricketer also struggled throughout the ICC World Cup in England and missed most of the second- half of 2019. Hardik Pandya was slated for a return during the New Zealand series but took longer to regain fitness.

As he continues to recover at the National Cricket Academy, Shane Bond is hopeful that Hardik Pandya will come back stronger. However, Bond wants Pandya to play some matches before the tournament sets off. The flamboyant cricketer is expected to play the DY Patil Cricket tournament later this month.

Read More: Temba Bavuma ruled out of the first T20I against Australia

“I only hope he gets to play some cricket before the IPL and always believe it’s better to spend a little bit longer for coming back rather than rushing it,” Bond said. 

“There’s no doubt he can come back. I am just pleased that they are taking an orthodox approach with Hardik’s rehabilitation and T20s, especially IPL will be nice for him to come back as he will not be over-bowled,” he added. 

Hardik Pandya will hope to play the key role once again as Mumbai Indians look to lift their 5th IPL trophy. They will begin their campaign in the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium.