Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has put his weight behind star all-rounder Hardik Pandya amid the injury concerns. Pandya is currently out of action due to a back spasm and had also missed matches for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026.

Pandya scored 206 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.89 and a strike rate of 138.25 in IPL 2026. Furthermore, he could only pick four wickets in 10 games at a high economy rate of 11.42. Thus, he could not deliver consistently for the franchise.

However, Manjrekar said Pandya is a big match player and has delivered consistently in crunch matches for India as well as his franchise over the years.

“I am a huge admirer of Hardik Pandya’s ability. And if you want to see the real Hardik Pandya, then you just have to remember all the big games that he has played, especially World Cups and see his contribution. And even the IPL, the final rounds, the playoffs. Obviously, the selectors want him to be physically fit, ready and play more cricket,” Manjrekar said in an interaction moderated by Sony Sports Network.

Manjrekar insisted that Pandya’s positive impact in high-pressure situations remains a crucial feature of India’s white-ball teams.

“He missed the last few games in the IPL. But I hope they don’t completely forget about him because this is a big match player, a player with tremendous ability. If he gets a relief from the captaincy, as a player, he might go back to the heights that he had achieved,” he added.

Pandya will look to make a solid comeback after recovering from injury.