Cricket

IPL 2021 | “Hopefully in the next few weeks we might see him bowling,” says Mahela Jayawardene about Hardik Pandya

 

Arriving into IPL 2021, the focus for Mumbai Indians was on Hardik Pandya and his workload management. The blockbuster all-rounder underwent a back surgery in 2019 and despite playing his role as a middle-order big-hitter, Pandya hasn’t bowled actively over the last few months.

He played as a pure batsman in IPL 2020 and bowled very irregularly during the latest series against England, with Captain Kohli confirming at various points that the team was still trying to manage Hardik’s workload.

Now Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene has confirmed that Pandya had picked up a shoulder niggle during the final ODI against England, which is the reason behind him not bowling in the last three IPL matches.

“We were looking forward for him to be bowling this season. He was coming back from an injury already, but after those matches against England, the last ODI, I believe he picked up a niggle, so that is something that we are nursing at the moment,” Jayawardene said during a virtual press-conference.

The former batting great, however, believes that Hardik Pandya will return to bowling soon enough.

“We don’t want to risk it, because it is important that we make sure that he (Hardik) is in a position to comfortably come in and bowl. So hopefully in the next few weeks, with a bit of work and all that, we might see him bowling, “It is not that we are deliberately trying to not bowl him, we would love to have him bowling, but as soon as the niggle is off and he is comfortable, we should be able to use that asset as well,” he said.

Despite his inactivity with the ball, Hardik Pandya was in the thick of things against Sunrisers Hyderabad. During the opposition run-chase, he produced two extraordinary moments of brilliance in the field and effected two important run-outs, that of David Warner and Abdul Samad.

“We have always used Hardik on the boundary line because of his speed and he has a good throwing arm and his catching ability, “Last few games, because he has a niggle in the shoulder, we kept (him) in 30 yards and he has proved the value of that by picking up a few runs-outs, because he is agile,” Mahela Jayawardene concluded.

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

Robin Uthappa reflects on Kuldeep Yadav being left out of India’s playing 11 during ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Former Indian batter Robin Uthappa backed the team management’s decision to not play Kuldeep Yadav… Read More

August 7, 2025

Prasidh Krishna’s childhood coach lauds pacer for fine show in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

India’s fast bowler Prasidh Krishna's childhood coach, P. Srinivasa Murthy, praised his ward for bowling… Read More

August 7, 2025

Sanjay Bangar hails Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in ENG vs IND 2025 series

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar praised Ravindra Jadeja for his consistent performances in the Anderson-Tendulkar… Read More

August 6, 2025

Parthiv Patel lauds KL Rahul, says he performed consistently till the fifth Test against England

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel praised KL Rahul for performing consistently throughout the five-match… Read More

August 6, 2025

Sunil Gavaskar reveals turning point in ENG vs IND 2025 5th Test

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar believes Joe Root’s dismissal late on the fourth day of the fifth… Read More

August 5, 2025

Siraj’s ‘Believe’ Moment Powers India to Famous Win at The Oval

For Mohammed Siraj, India’s dramatic six-run victory at The Oval on Monday began long before… Read More

August 5, 2025