MI Playing XI vs KKR: Rohit Sharma returns, no place for Hardik Pandya

MI Playing XI – MI vs KKR IPL 2021: Rohit Sharma in, Hardik Pandya unavailable While Mumbai Indians will have their skipper Rohit Sharma available for the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, the availability of Hardik Pandya remained questionable. The flamboyant all-rounder had earlier missed the match against Chennai Super Kings due to a ‘niggle’ but the team management didn’t reveal the extent. Now with T20 World Cup on the head, BCCI has requested franchises, ‘not to rush & risk any of the Indian squad players’. – Follow MI vs KKR in IPL 2021 Live Updates on InsideSport.co

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock(w), Rohit Sharma(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Saurabh Tiwary, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Adam Milne, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

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How crucial is Rohit & Hardik for Mumbai Indians? Showing very indifferent form, Mumbai Indians has lost 4 of their 8 matches this year and any more slip-ups can prove costly. Defending champions need victory in 4 of the last 6 games to qualify for playoffs and need both Rohit & Hardik at their best.

According to team’s coach Mahela Jayawardhene, “Hardik was training and had a little niggle. So, as a precaution, we thought to give him extra days. Nothing serious!”

But when it was asked that will he be available for against KKR, Jayawardene did not give any clear cut reply.

MI Playing XI vs KKR: Rohit Sharma all set to come back, questions remain on Hardik Pandya’s fitness? Follow LIVE Updates

MI Playing XI – MI vs KKR IPL 2021: Is Hardik Pandya fit? Pandya has been under the scanner for his persistent injury problems and poor form. He didn’t bowl in IPL 2021 Phase 1 and scored only 52 runs in 7 matches at an average of 8.66. Even on India tour of Sri Lanka Pandya was below-par.

Had it been any other player, he would have been dropped and would have struggled to get back to XI. But he is Hardik Pandya, a crucial cog in MI and have won them matches numerous times.

Also Read: IPL 2021: What’s wrong with Hardik Pandya? Will he play the next match for MI vs KKR or not?

MI Playing XI vs KKR IPL 2021: Is Hardik Pandya available against KKR?

The mystery around Hardik Pandya’s injury keeps everyone on the edge. At this moment, it is unknown if he has a recurrence of the back injury. MI have maintained their silence over it.
If it is a niggle, Hardik Pandya is expected to be back for the next match against KKR but could be rested for future matches.
His poor form is a concern for Mumbai Indians.
Furthermore, it remains to be seen if he bowls. If he doesn’t, MI won’t want another batsman in the squad as it will impact the balance in the team.
As per information available with InsideSport, a final decision on his inclusion will be taken before the match.

According to former IPL & South African Cricket great Dale Steyn, ‘Pandya should start playing purely as a batsman and should bat up in the order for MI’

MI Playing XI vs KKR IPL 2021: This suggestion by Steyn can help MI’s cause but Hardik’s form and fitness is also under the watch by national selectors. And if they dont see Pandya bowl, they may not hesitate in announcing replacement for the under-scanner MI allrounder.

Another area of concern for MI will be form of Ishan Kishan – who has continuously failed with the bat this season.

As for other combinations, with Rohit Sharma’s return, their opening combination will be sorted. It will also mean Anmolpreet Singh will be benched.

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