Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey on Wednesday answered the questions on the fitness of all-rounder Hardik Pandya and resting players for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup match against the Netherlands as well. However, Pandya played a key role for India in the opening match against Pakistan on October 23, Sunday.
Although he was struggling in the middle, he managed to give proper support to Virat Kohli, who helped Team India secure a four-wicket win over the arch-rivals as well. However, Pandya suffered cramps towards the end of India’s batting innings, raising questions about whether he would play in the second game against the Netherlands on October 27 in Sydney.
However, Mhambrey confirmed that he will play, saying in the press conference:
“He (Hardik Pandya) is alright. He is fit to play. We are not going to rest anyone. I think we have a momentum going in the tournament, you need individuals to be in the form as well.”
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“Hardik wants to play all matches” – Paras Mhambrey on Indian all-rounder
Team India’s bowling coach further shared that Pandya deserves the credit for Kohli’s stunning knock against Pakistan. While Kohli took the charge and hammered Pakistan bowlers, Pandya anchored the innings from the other end as well.
“Hardik wants to play all matches. We are not looking at whom to rest. He is an important player for us, he is bowling as well as batting for us. Other than that, his attitude on ground like in the last match (against Pakistan) he played a crucial innings,” he stated.
“Yes, Virat finished the match for us but at such a stage if you want an experienced player to take the match to the end then pressure will obviously shift on the opposition. So, I think Hardik deserves a lot of credit for Virat’s performance. When he went in to bat the conditions were different I think 4 wickets had already fallen. It was not an easy phase. I think the experience that Hardik brings in is irreplaceable,” Paras Mhambrey concluded.
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