Mumbai Indians (MI) Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan said that premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya will soon be available to bowl for the side in their IPL 2021 campaign.
Hardik Pandya bowled his full quota of four overs for the first time during the recently concluded T20I series against England, after having back surgery last year. He then bowled 9 overs in the 3rd and final ODI between India and England.
Coming into the IPL 14, Hardik Pandya didn’t bowl in Mumbai Indians’ first fixture against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) which Virat Kohli led side won by the barest of margins.
Ahead of their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Direct of cricket for Mumbai Indians Zaheer Khan while lauding Hardik Pandya as a whole package said that they to consult physio before letting him bowl.
"Hardik as a whole package is of great value everyone knows that. It was a workload-related thing in the previous game. He bowled in the whole series against England and in the last ODI he bowled about nine overs and that's why in consultation with the physio we have to take that approach," Zaheer Khan said during the pre-match press conference.
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Khan said that there was some shoulder concern over Hardik Pandya but it is not worrisome and he will be seen bowling soon.
"There was a little bit of shoulder concern but don't think it is worrisome and you will very soon see him bowl. For the timelines, you have to ask the physio but in terms of Hardik the bowler coming in this tournament, we are very confident that he will be chipping in with the ball in his hand as well," he said.
Zaheer also confirmed that star wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton de Kock is out of his quarantine and will be available for the game against KKR.
"Quinton is out of his quarantine, he did his practice session yesterday with the team. Looking forward to the season, he will be available for tomorrow's game," he said.
When asked if Chris Lynn and Marco Jansen be replaced by De Kock and Milne against KKR, Zaheer Khan said that they will make a decision closer to the game. He added that when players are a part of the champion side they have to wait for their opportunities and all the group is aware of this.
"We have to wait till tomorrow that's closer to the game, we will take that decision on that. But very excited with Marco as well, the squad is looking very good whether I see them in the practices they are very upbeat and looking for that opportunity. When you are part of the champion side you have to wait for your opportunities and that's what all the group is aware of,” he said.
Zaheer Khan while lauding Marco Jansen and Chris Lynn for their fantastic debut for MI in the first game against RCB said that as professional athletes players should be prepared for any sort of challenge.
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"Similarly, when you see a youngster like Marco going out there and making that kind of impact. Obviously, he was nervous in the first game but now he is nice and relaxed. He made a good comeback on his IPL debut. Lynn is a pro.
"He is a good character to have in the dressing room. As professional athletes, you have to be prepared, you have to align yourself with how the team management is thinking and the communication is going to be the key," he said.
Zaheer Khan further said that Kieron Pollard will be their sixth bowling option until Hardik starts bowling. He added that the team management is not very concerned about the bowling department.
"Pollard is our sixth bowling option. He is an experienced campaigner in our squad. So, he is definitely going to be our sixth bowling option and whenever Hardik starts bowling, he is going to be our bowling option as well. In that department, we not very concerned. You have to just adapt and adjust," he concluded.
(ANI inputs)
