T20 World Cup: Here’s why Hardik Pandya didn’t take the field during the second innings against Pakistan
Hardik Pandya
Team India suffered a one-sided defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. Defending a total of 151 runs, Indian bowlers lacked a ‘Plan B’ against Pakistani openers – Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Moreover, India skipper Virat Kohli also lacked the luxury of the sixth bowling option as all-rounder Hardik Pandya hasn’t been rolling his arms for quite some time now. Notably, he didn’t even come out to take the field during the second innings of the high-voltage match.
In the penultimate over of the first innings, the junior Pandya was clutching his shoulder that could be the possible reason why he wasn’t on the field. During these visuals, commentators were also heard saying that he had gone for precautionary scans of his shoulder.
“I won’t be bowling for now” – Hardik Pandya
Ahead of the much-anticipated IND-PAK match, Hardik Pandya had shared an update on his back injury. The 28-year-old had also stated that he won’t be bowling for now but during the matches closer to the knockouts.
“The back is fine, it was jittery, but I won’t be bowling for now. I want to be able to bowl eventually, closer to the knockouts. The professionals and I both have to take the call about when I can have a bowl,” Hardik Pandya said in a conversation with the official broadcasters of T20 WC.
He further added:
“I don’t like to get too hyped by the situation, and my family makes sure of that too. I stay away from social media because you do get excited and get the vibes.
“It’s simple, and we leave emotions out of the way, and keep things professional. We make sure we tick the right boxes, and do the processes right,” the flamboyant all-rounder concluded.
Sachin Arora
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