MI head coach Mahela said Why does not Hardik Pandya bowl

Mumbai Indians (MI) head coach Mahela Jayawardene said why does not Hardik Pandya bowl in the Indian Premier League 2021

After Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya did not bowl in the first three matches of the current season of the Indian Premier League, head coach Mahela Jayawardene on Monday said that he suffered a shoulder injury in the last ODI against England.

The former Sri Lankan batsman said in an online press conference, ‘We are waiting to see his bowling this season but he probably suffered a minor injury in the last ODI against England, he is recovering from the injury. He, however, hoped that Hardik would bowl soon.

He said, ‘We don’t want to take any risk on them right now. We want to make sure that he is comfortable with bowling. Hopefully in the next few weeks, he will be seen bowling. He said, ‘It is not that we are not intentionally bowling to him. As soon as he recovers from injury and feels comfortable, he will be seen bowling.

Key role for Mumbai Indians

The 27-year-old Baroda player played a key role in the team’s 13-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad by running out David Warner and Abdul Samad. Jayawardene said, “We want Hardik to be fielding near the boundary because his throw is very fast and he catches great catches but due to a shoulder injury we are fielding him within 30 yards.”

• Also Read: Captain Sanju Samson Explained why they lost against CSK

In the current season of IPL, the teams batting first in the matches being played at Chepauk Stadium dominated but Jayawardene said that it is not impossible to play on the pitch here but it is slow. In the six matches played here so far, only three times the teams have scored more than 150 runs while the teams batting first in five matches have won.

The match played between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals on Sunday was a high score with Virat Kohli’s team batting first and winning by 38 runs after scoring 204 for four wickets.

Jayawardene said on the eve of the match against Delhi Capitals, ‘It is not an impossible wicket to bat. It is a good and competitive pitch. It is important for any team or batsman to adjust to the Conditions. In this case, it is challenging but our bowlers have done well.