Cricket

Hardik Pandya fit to play against New Zealand, expected to bowl soon

 

Much has been talked and discussed about star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya in the T20 World Cup. Going into the tournament, Pandya’s limited exposure with the ball in hand was cause of much concern as he hasn’t been bowling regularly since 2019. The Mumbai Indians ace did not bowl a single delivery in IPL 2021 either.

This inability to bowl has affected the Indian team’s balance and it was on display in the opening game against Pakistan. With bowlers like Mohammad Shami and Bhuvneshwar Kumar being taken to the cleaners, captain Virat Kohli found himself deprived of a sixth bowling option.

However, on Wednesday, Pandya bowled in the nets for the first time in months. This raises the possibility of him bowling in the upcoming crucial fixture against New Zealand. India need to win this game at any cost following their 10-wicket hammering at the hands of Pakistan in the opening encounter.

In the game against Pakistan, the Baroda all-rounder also hurt his shoulder while batting and had to be taken off the field. He also went for scans after the match though any potential concerns have been ruled out. On October 27, strength and conditioning coach Sohum Desai and physio Nitin Patel accompanied Pandya as he went through routine fitness drills which included short sprints and bursts of pace.

The 28-year-old also bowled to Shardul Thakur and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for nearly 20 minutes in one of the nets. Head coach Ravi Shastri and mentor and former captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni kept a close watch on him and monitored his progress. He followed his bowling stint in the nets with some batting practice and took throwdowns from batting coach Vikram Rathour.

Against Pakistan Hardik Pandya was played as a pure batter but he didn’t get enough opportunity to make an impact. Coming off extremely late into the game, he managed just 11 runs in eight deliveries and lacked the usual hard-hitting ability that he offers at the death. Pandya’s fitness issues and inability to bowl had already been anticipated by Team India who made a late inclusion of in-form Shardul Thakur in the squad.

Ahead of the match against Pakistan, Virat Kohli said that he expected Hardik to bowl a couple of overs at some stage in the tournament.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024