IPL2021:”Hardik might ‘struggle’ if pushed to bowl”, said Jayawardene
Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene on Friday said the team don’t want to force Hardik Pandya to bowl in the IPL as the all-rounder might “struggle” if pushed hard, which could jeopardise his outing in the upcoming T20 world Cup. After missing the first two games in the second leg of the tournament, Hardik played as a batsman. This has raised questions over his selection in India”s T20 World Cup squad, with the chairman of selectors saying that Hardik is fully fit to bowl in the marque event, starting October 17 in the UAE and Oman.
MI coach Mahela Jayawardene said, “He (Hardik) hasn”t bowled for a long period of time, so we are just trying to do the best for Hardik. We are in constant touch with the Indian team management on Hardik”s case,” he told reporters during a virtual press conference ahead of the title holder”s next game against Delhi Capitals here on Saturday.
“Whether he will bowl in the IPL or not we will look on a daily basis. I feel at the moment if we push him too hard, he might struggle.”