IPL 2020: MI skipper Rohit Sharma explains why Hardik Pandya is not bowling in the tournament

IPL 2020: MI skipper Rohit Sharma explains why Hardik Pandya is not bowling in the tournament

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya bowling
Hardik Pandya

Defending champions Mumbai Indians played like one of the best teams of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 to book a spot in the finals. They will now lock horns with Delhi Capitals in the ultimate game of the tournament. MI player Hardik Pandya played a crucial role with the bat in his team’s journey so far in this edition.

Surprisingly, Pandya is currently playing as a batsman, and not like a fast-bowling all-rounder. The 27-year old didn’t bowl even a single delivery after playing 13 matches in IPL 2020. Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma told during a press conference before the final clash that Hardik is not comfortable to bowl at the moment.

“No, look. We’ve had his assessment after every 3-4 games. We’ve spoken to him about what he wants to do. He’s not comfortable at the moment to bowl. We’ve left all the decisions to him. If he feels comfortable, he will be happy to bowl. At the moment, he’s not feeling comfortable,” Rohit Sharma explained.

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“He’s got some niggle going. It would have been great to have him bowl. Throughout this season we have given him that cushion of being in that comfort zone and making sure that he takes care of his body and he has done that really well,” he said.

‘Don’t want players to feel pressure’

dc vs mi ipl 2020
Mi will face DC for their fifth IPL title

The 33-year old also said that Hardik Pandya is a crucial member of their side, and his batting can play a decisive role in the finals. He further said that the management doesn’t want to pressurize any player at this stage of the tournament. 

“Hardik to us is very important as a player. His batting has been really key for us in making it to the final. So, as long as he bats, I am happy,” Rohit signed off.

“We don’t want to put that pressure on individuals where we are expecting something from him. He is not able to do it, and the team morale goes down. We don’t want that situation,” he added.

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