Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull suggested that Indian cricket team all-rounder Hardik Pandya may be nursing an undisclosed injury despite not admitting to it. Doull’s observation stems from Hardik’s unusual bowling pattern in the IPL 2024 matches, where he opened the bowling in the first two games but abstained from bowling in the subsequent two encounters.
In the recent match against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Hardik bowled only one over but did not return to bowl after conceding 13 runs. Doull expressed his suspicion that Hardik might be dealing with an injury, based on his intuition.
Simon Doull On Hardik Pandya
“You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in-game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required. He’s injured. I’m telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it. But there is something wrong with him for sure. That is my gut feeling,” Doull said in an interview.
Earlier, Hardik was questioned about his decision not to bowl during the Delhi Capitals match, to which the Mumbai Indians skipper responded that he would bowl at the “right time.”
Hardik had previously been sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during the Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh. He had only played a couple of matches before participating in IPL 2024. Given the proximity of the T20 World Cup 2024, any injury concerns could be significant.
Before the start of the IPL season, Hardik assumed the role of Mumbai Indians skipper, replacing Rohit Sharma. This change led to a section of the crowd booing him during MI matches. However, Virat Kohli expressed displeasure at this reaction and urged the crowd to support the all-rounder during the match against RCB.
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