Hardik Pandya, Not Bowling Is A Big Blow, Not Just For Mumbai Indians, But For India As Well Says Sunil Gavaskar

The legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has opined that Hardik Pandya not bowling in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 is a big blow not only for the Mumbai Indians (MI) franchise but also for team India.

Fast bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya is a vital member of the India national cricket team in limited-overs cricket. He has been picked in India’s T20 World Cup squad as an all-rounder, but so far, he hasn’t bowled for Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2021 and has been playing only as a lower order batter, which is a big concern for the Virat Kohli and co-heading into the T20 World Cup 2021.

Talking about Hardik Pandya not being able to bowl, Sunil Gavaskar stated it is a huge blow for the team because if a No.6 or No.7 player doesn’t bowl, it creates difficulties for the captain. Gavaskar stated:

“Hardik Pandya, not bowling is a big blow, not just for Mumbai Indians, but for India as well, because he was taken in the team as an all-rounder. And if you are in the team, batting at No.6 or No.7, and you’re not able to bowl, then it makes it difficult for the captain.”

“He doesn’t get the flexibility and option that is so required for somebody batting at No.6 or 7 like an all-rounder,”

Suryakumar Yadav And Ishan Kishan Have Just Relaxed A Little Bit – Sunil Gavaskar

Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have been named in India’s T20 World Cup 15-member squad. However, they have struggled in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Ishan Kishan was on a rough patch before the last game against Rajasthan Royals (RR) where he smashed a half-century. Also, Suryakumar Yadav was scoring series of single digits runs before gaining back form in the match against Delhi Capitals (DC).

Speaking on the Star Sports show ‘Cricket Connected’ Gavaskar said he feels Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have relaxed after getting the India cap. He stated:

“I think it looks to me like Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan have just relaxed a little bit after getting the India cap,” 

“They might not have, but some of the shots they are playing – it looks like they are trying to play these big shots just because they are India players.”

Talking about the reason behind Mumbai Indians batters being out of form, Gavaskar said it is due to the poor shot selection.

“Sometimes what happens is, you gotta give yourself a little bit of time, and you have got to get your shot selection right.

“I think that is where they have missed this time around, where their shot selection has not been exactly correct, and that’s why they’ve got out cheaply,” said Gavaskar 

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