Mumbai Indians and India All-rounder Hardik Pandya had a positive response saying he would soon start bowling in competitive cricket. There have been concerns about his form with the bat so far in IPL 2021 and his inability to bowl after having been picked as India’s only pace-bowling all-rounder in the 15-man squad for the T20 World Cup.
Hardik has scored just 112 runs in 10 matches and has not even bowled a bowl so far in the IPL 2021. This was a huge concern for Indian fans but after his positive response on Saturday, things did get a bit normal.
If Hardik Pandya is not bowling then why the hell he is included in ICC T20 World Cup squad ??
If he will not bowl then bring Shardul Thakur in place of him. pic.twitter.com/D92J2fcEDF— Nishant Sharma (@Nishant6862) September 26, 2021
Speaking to the official broadcasters on Saturday, he said, he is working on his bowling and will soon roll his arm over. However, he did not confirm whether he would bowl for Mumbai Indians in the remainder of the IPL 2021 tournament.
“I will bowl soon. Putting in my best efforts,” Hardik Pandya told former cricketer turned broadcaster Deep Dasgupta “
Hardik had last bowled in competitive cricket in India’s home series earlier this year. Moreover, While announcing the 15-man squad for the ICC T20 world cup, Chetan Sharma Chairman of the selection committee said, “Hardik will bowl his quota of 4 overs for India at the T20 World Cup”.
While Mumbai Indians struggling to find balance in their playing X1 from the last few matches, Head coach Mahela Jayawardene said, “We’re trying to do what’s best for Hardik, going forward. Whether he can bowl or not in the IPL is something we will have to look at”.
Runs important for my own confidence: Hardik Pandya
With the bat, Hardik has struggled in the IPL 2021 so far, having difficulty connecting the ball well. However, he did show signs of return with his match-winning knock of 40 against PKBS.
Mumbai Indians are in a do-or-die position after having won only 5 games out of their first 11 in IPL 2021. Hardik believes pressure situations will help bring the best out of their players in the remainder of the season.
“Now we don’t have any other option (on the must-win situation for Mumbai Indians in IPL). But it gives you an opportunity to give your best. It brings out the best in you. Obviously, we know it’s do-or-die but we are focussing on one game at a time and only the controllable,” Hardik further added.
Mumbai Indians remaining fixtures are against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) who are already out of the playoffs race, and Rajasthan Royals (RR) who are finding out their way into the top 4. It is surely going to be nail-biting matches looking at the pressure and competition.