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Hardik Pandya gives update on when he will return to bowling

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya has provided an update on when he will return to bowling.

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Sam Abraham
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Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya ( Image Credit: Twitter)

Mumbai Indians all-rounder Hardik Pandya has provided an update on when he will return to bowling. Pandya has not bowled a lot of late owing to a back injury he sustained before IPL 2020. He is the only fast-bowling all-rounder in the India T20 World Cup squad and many are concerned why Mumbai Indians are not using Hardik’s services as a bowler. Speaking to the official broadcasters, Pandya said he will soon be seen rolling his arm over. However, he didn’t reveal when he will start bowling.

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"I will bowl soon. Putting in my best efforts," Hardik told former cricketer and broadcaster Deep Dasgupta who asked the Mumbai all-rounder about his bowling plans.

Hardik has not bowled a single over for Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2021. He bowled a bit in the ODI series against England but hasn’t rolled his arm since then. India chief selector Chetan Sharma while announcing the India squad had said that Hardik has been picked as an all-rounder and will bowl his 4 overs in the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said the defending champions won’t push Hardik into bowl considering the niggle he has been carrying in IPL 2021. "We're trying to do what's best for Hardik, going forward. Whether he can bowl or not in the IPL is something we will have to look at," Jayawardene said. "At the moment, if we push too hard (to bowl), he might be an issue where he might even struggle and might not be an asset as a batsman," he added.

Hardik is not bowling but his form with the bat is not good either. The batter has struggled in the tournament so far. He gave glimpses of a return to form after playing a match-winning knock of 40 off 30 balls against Punjab Kings. However, he failed to back his knock and managed a scratchy 17 off 18 balls against Delhi Capitals. Mumbai Indians need to win all their remaining games to stay in contention for the playoffs.

India Hardik Pandya