IND vs BAN: "Once He Hits 140 Kmph, He Is A Different Bowler" - Paras Mhambrey Describes Hardik Pandya As A Wicket-Taking Option

Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said that he is pleased with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s bowling performances in the Asia Cup 2023. Paras Mhambrey described Hardik Pandya as a different bowler when he hits the 140 kmph mark consistently.

Hardik Pandya made an impact with the ball in the ongoing continental tournament, taking three wickets with an average of 21.67 and an impressive economy rate of 3.61. The right-arm pacer troubled opposition batters with his swing and extra bounce in the tournament.

Very Happy With The Way Hardik Pandya Has Shaped Up – Paras Mhambrey

Speaking at a press conference ahead of India’s Super 4 match against Bangladesh, Paras Mhambrey highlighted their long-term work on Hardik Pandya‘s fitness and performance. Mhambrey said that Pandya is a potent wicket-taking option for the team.

“I am very happy with the way Hardik has shaped up, something that we have worked on for a long time. We have been managing his workload, making sure that he is fit and able to achieve what we expect out of him.”

“Once he hits 140 kmph, he is a different bowler. From the team perspective it’s a wicket-taking option that we have,” Paras Mhambrey told reporters.

Pandya showcased his skills by delivering a brilliant inswinger to dismiss Pakistan’s Babar Azam during the Super Four match. He registered bowling figures of 1/17 in five overs against Pakistan and 1/14 in five overs against Sri Lanka.

We Are Working On It Consistently – Paras Mhambrey

Mhambrey revealed that the Indian team is focused on enhancing the bowling abilities of their batters to provide support when required. He said that Tilak Varma is one such player being trained for the role to provide a few overs when needed.

“I have been working with Tilak since his U-19 days. We were in South Africa and we realized he has bowling skills. We are working on it consistently. If the captain gets confidence that he can bowl one over and deliver, this one over can turn into two overs. But it depends on circumstances where we need that extra bowler,” Mhambrey further said.

The Rohit Sharma-led team will lock horns with the Shakib Al Hasan-led team in their final Super Four match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, September 15. The Men in Blue have already secured their place in the final of the ongoing tournament.

Also read: IND vs BAN: India Likely to Rest Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj, Hardik Pandya; Shreyas Iyer Still Not Fit For Bangladesh Clash – Reports