India cricketer Hardik Pandya has started bowling in the nets ahead of their clash against New Zealand in the 2021 T20 World Cup. He had gone through fitness drills focusing on strength and conditioning before bowling on Wednesday (October 27).
The official Twitter account of the Board of Control Cricket in India (BCCI) posted a few pictures from the practice session of Hardik. India had an optional practice session at the ICC Academy ground on Wednesday.
Pandya underwent several fitness drills under the supervision of team physio Nitin Patel and assistant trainer Soham Desai. He hasn't been bowling much after recovering from the back injury.
The all-rounder had avoided bowling in the last two Indian Premier League seasons as well. Ahead of the T20 World Cup, Rohit Sharma had hinted that Hardik would bowl for India at some stage of the tournament.
We may get to see Hardik bowling against New Zealand if his body allows. It would be very propitious for India if the all-rounder contributes with the ball in the coming matches, which will give captain Virat Kohli an extra bowling option.
India have lost their first match of the Super 12 against Pakistan where Hardik hasn't bowled. They will face New Zealand on October 31 in Dubai which is virtually a must-win match for the team.
