Former India fast bowler Ashish Nehra feels the spotlight will be on Hardik Pandya when Mumbai Indians take the field in the remainder of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season, starting September 19. Nehra said Hardik’s form has been a bit up and down and the all-rounder will have to step up to provide the defending champions with the X-factor in the UAE.
Hardik Pandya did not bowl for Mumbai Indians in the first leg of IPL 2021 in April-May as he gave himself more time to recover from a back injury. Hardik though rolled his arm over for India in a T20I series against England earlier this year. He began bowling more regularly when India toured Sri Lanka in July before he missed the last two matches of the series due to Covid-19 scare.
Hardik’s batting form has also taken a dip. The India all-rounder managed just 52 runs from 7 matches in the first half of IPL 2021. The hard-hitting batsman failed to get going during the Sri Lanka tour as well.
However, India have shown faith in Hardik, picking him as part of the 15-member squad for the T20 World Cup.
“Everyone has their eyes on him [Hardik Pandya]. I am not saying that he must always bowl all four overs, but if he can complement Kieron Pollard and bowl a couple of overs, that will be a huge plus for the team,” Nehra told Cricbuzz.
“With the bat, he is an impact player. His form has been fluctuating over the last year, but he is a player who can change things quickly. So, Mumbai Indians would really want him to fire.”
Nehra also pointed out that Mumbai Indians will become the team to beat if runs come from both Kieron Pollard and Hardik. The former India pacer heaped praise on the West Indies star’s ability to play an influential role for the defending IPL champion over the years.
“The role Kieron Pollard has played in the past few years is commendable. The way he carries himself on the field and even along with his teammates is really good to see considering that he is an overseas player. When runs come out from Hardik Pandya and Kieron Pollard it could put even the big teams in trouble,” Nehra adde.
Mumbai Indians resume their IPL 2021 campaign on September 19 against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings. The defending champions are currently at the 4th spot with 4 wins from 7 matches.
