IPL 2021, MI vs PBKS: Batsman Hardik Pandya finally finds form – The fact that there is no backup for Hardik Pandya has been a big headache for both Mumbai Indians and Team India. The flamboyant all-rounder has struggled with form but on Tuesday, he alleviated some fears of selectors ahead of the T20 World Cup with a classy 30-ball 40 to power Mumbai Indians to a 6-wicket victory over Punjab Kings.
As all-rounder Hardik Pandya has gone for a toss with a recurring back problem, Mumbai Indians have had to rely on batsman Hardik Pandya. But before the match against PBKS, he had a terrible average of 7.85 from 10 innings. His highest score was 17.
IPL 2021, MI vs PBKS: But on Tuesday, he delivered like he had numerous times. He didn’t bowl but delivered a match-winning 40-run knock against PBKS. His knock included 4 fours and 2 big sixes at a crunch time when Mumbai Indians needed 45 off 30 balls on a pitch that wasn’t really helping the batters. But he pulled off a heist and took Mumbai Indians through.
IPL 2021: Big relief for Mumbai Indians & Team India, Hardik Pandya finally finds form, guides MI to win over PBKS
The selectors and the BCCI were concerned about his form with T20 World Cup just two weeks away. Their concerns have been alleviated to some extent after his flamboyant batting. However, they will keep a closer look at his bowling as he hasn’t bowled in the IPL 2021.
IPL 2021, MI vs PBKS: “Hardik is recovering and Mumbai Indians have managed him well. We will see how it goes. He is bowling at the nets, so that’s a good sign. Rohit is there, so he knows better how to handle him. You are talking about Hardik and there is no backup at the moment. Shardul and Deepak are good options but they are yet to prove as regular all-round options in T20s. So, Hardik remains the best all-rounder,” the BCCI source told InsideSport.
IPL 2021: Big relief for Mumbai Indians & Team India, Hardik Pandya finally finds form, guides MI to win over PBKS
IPL 2021, MI vs PBKS: While Hardik Pandya, the batter has delivered, the selectors, Mumbai Indians and the BCCI are keeping a close eye on his bowling. It is unlikely that fans will see his all-round avatar in the IPL 2021 as the MI team management is managing his workload by not pushing him to bowl too much ahead of the T20 World Cup. However, Hardik has been bowling in the nets and should return to bowling in the T20 World Cup.
