Hardik Pandya nursing shoulder concern
Mumbai Indians Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan revealed star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been suffering from a tight shoulder after India’s recent series against England.
Hardik Pandya not bowling for Mumbai Indians
The leadership came under fire from MI fans after the side was defeated in the opening round of the India Premier League (IPL) by Royal Challenders Bangalore and Hardik Pandya didn’t bowl a single ball.
Perhaps hoping to placate Mumbai supporters, Khan opened up about the fact that Pandya has been struggling with a shoulder concern since India’s international series against England.
“Hardik, as a whole package, is always of great value,” said Khan, according to Cricbuzz.
“It was a workload related thing in the previous game. He bowled nine overs in the England series.
“In consultation with the physio, we had to take that approach. The timeline you will have to ask the physio.
“In terms of Hardik the bowler coming in this tournament, we are confident that he will be chipping in with the ball in his hand as well.”
Expecting him to return to bowling soon
However, he did also claim it was not a serious problem and that fans should expect to see the star bowling again very soon.
“Whenever Hardik is available, he will start bowling, he will be our bowling option as well,” Khan said.
“In that department, we are not very concerned. You have to just adapt and adjust.
“This year’s format is a different format. So from that point of view, we need to have that adaptability and flexibility around the squad as well, with not playing in your home grounds, which is what we accept and plan accordingly for the season ahead.”
Latest
-
England
On this day in 2018: Kevin Pietersen retires from professional cricket
The latter years of the Pietermaritzburg-born maverick’s career were spent on the T20 circuit.
-
England
Jofra Archer snaps off stump on impressive return from injury in India
The 28-year-old took two for 22 in seven overs.
-
County Cricket
Darren Gough steps down as managing director of cricket at Yorkshire
Gough said it was the “right time” to move on having been in the post since December 2021.
-
England
On this day in 2004: Steve Harmison takes seven for 12 against West Indies
The pace bowler produced a devastating spell at Sabina Park 20 years ago.
-
England
Jos Buttler feels refreshed and ready to enjoy ‘best years’ of his career
England’s white-ball team endured a poor 2023 which culminated in the disastrous defence of their World Cup crown in India.
-
England
Jos Buttler confident ‘special cricketer’ Jofra Archer will be fit for World Cup
Archer has not represented his country since last March when he featured in a T20 match in Bangladesh.
-
Indian Premier League
England batter Harry Brook withdraws from IPL following death of his grandmother
Brook pulled out of England’s five-Test tour to India before the squad flew out from their training camp in the United Arab Emirates.