Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardena on Monday (April 19) revealed why all-rounder Hardik Pandya isn’t bowling in the ongoing 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2021).
The defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI) has so far played three games in which they have won two games in the ongoing IPL 2021, but the all-rounder Pandya has been playing just as a batsman.
Ahead of the five-time IPL champions’ next IPL 14 clash against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday (April 20), Jayawardene has revealed that Hardik picked up a niggle during India’s ODI series against England at home in March and that has forced the all-rounder to stay away from bowling in the IPL 2021.
The MI coach has further insisted that they don't want to risk an injury and want the 27-year-old to recover fully before fielding him as an all-rounder in the ongoing IPL 2021.
Jayawardena stated: “We were looking forward to him bowling this season as he didn't bowl in last year's IPL after coming from an injury and he wasn't ready. In his last ODI match against England, I believe Hardik picked up a niggle so we don't want to risk an injury.”
He added, “We want to be sure that he is comfortable in bowling so hopefully in the next few weeks with a bit of work and all that you might see him bowling, we would love to see him bowling but as soon as the niggle goes off and he is comfortable in bowling we could utilize that asset as well.”
The head coach also lauded the spinner Rahul Chahar who scalped seven wickets in their last two games in the ongoing tournament. He signed off, “Rahul Chahar has been performing well for us for the last 3 years. He is still a young player and is constantly learning. We are very happy with his progress.”
Noteworthy, MI will next lock horns with Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday (April 20) in the ongoing IPL 14.
(With ANI Inputs)
