Hardik Pandya is back in action during IPL 2020 after fully healing from his lower back injury. The all-rounder missed the last half of 2019 as he was recovering from his injury. In the first two matches of Mumbai Indians, Hardik played purely as a batsman and did not bowl a single over.
Now Mumbai Indians director of cricket Zaheer Khan has revealed, when will Hardik bowl during IPL 2020. Zaheer stated that even though Hardik is himself enthusiastic to bowl during matches however the franchise is going to manage his workload.
We Have To Be Patient With Hardik Pandya – Zaheer Khan
Zaheer added that the franchise is in constant touch with the physios and keeping a check on Hardik’s progress. The bowling action of the MI all-rounder puts immense pressure on his lower back. Zaheer admitted that MI will be patient with their star player and once he’s wholly fit he will also contribute with the ball in this IPL season.
“We are all expecting Hardik to bowl and he is someone who changes that balance of any side when he is bowling and he understands that”, Zaheer said in a virtual media conference.
“But we have to listen to his body and that is something the conversation which we have been having in consultation with the physios”, he added.
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“We are looking forward to him bowling , he is very keen and want to bowl, we just have to wait and be patient and listen to his body. At the end of the day for any bowler injuries play a huge role’, Zaheer said about Hardik Pandya.
Meanwhile, a few days back the MI coach, Mahela Jayawardena also made it very clear that the franchise will not rush Hardik into bowling this season. The 26-year-old has been an integral part of MI since his debut in IPL. Also, the Mumbai Indians will now take the field against the Royal Challengers Bangalore on 28 September (Monday) at Dubai.
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