The Defending Champions Mumbai Indians finally won their first-ever match in the UAE. Yesterday, the 4-time champions defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders in a one-side match. MI skipper Rohit Sharma led from the front with the bat and produced a magical knock.
Interestingly, the second game in a row all-rounder Hardik Pandya didn’t even bowl a single over. Pandya who usually bowls for MI in the middle overs only featured as a batsman. Also, in the inaugural match against CSK, Pandya was not given the ball by captain Rohit.
Jayawardene reveals why Hardik is not bowling in IPL 2020
Now, the MI coach Mahela Jayawardene has revealed why Pandya is currently not bowling in IPL 2020. Jayawardene stated that they are not taking any risk with Hardik’s fitness as he is prone to injury. They are currently managing his workload and once Hardik is fully fit he will again be trusted to bowl for MI during this season.
“Just day by day progress. We don’t want to take a risk. He looks healthy now. So gradually, when he’s comfortable, everyone’s comfortable, we will make a call,” Jayawardene said.
Also Read: Watch -Hardik Pandya Slaps Pat Cummins For A Six Over Mid-Wicket
Meanwhile last year after the cricket world cup, Hardik had undergone surgery for his acute lower back injury. The all-rounder missed the majority of the cricket season in the second half last year.
The bowling action of Hardik Pandya puts a lot of pressure on his lower back, Thus, the MI management is being conservative with the stress of their prominent all-rounder. It will be interesting to see when Hardik can contribute with the ball during IPL 2020.
Also, with Hardik not bowling Kieron Pollard played as a seam bowler all-rounder for MI against KKR. Mumbai Indians will now face the Royal Challengers Bangalore in their next encounter on 28 September (Monday) in IPL 2020.
Also Read: IPL 2020: Match 5, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians – Match Report