Hardik Pandya Carrying A Niggle; Not Feeling Comfortable While Bowling: Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, Mumbai Indians captain, has revealed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya is carrying a niggle and he is still not comfortable bowling while revealing the reason behind him not utilizing the swashbuckler’s service as a bowler.

Rohit added that the team-management has been assessing Hardik Pandya after every three-four games and they have left the decision to bowl entirely on him, stressing on the fact that he does not want to give a role to a player which they are not comfortable in performing.

“We have had his assessment every three-four games and we have spoken to him about what he wants to do. He is not comfortable at the moment to bowl. We have left all that decision on him. If he feels comfortable, he will be happy to bowl. But at the moment, he is not feeling comfortable. He has got some niggle going. It would have been great to have him bowl,” Rohit Sharma said during the pre-match press conference.

“… We do not want to put pressure on individuals where we are expecting something for them and he is not able to do it and the team morale goes down. We do not want that situation. Hardik to us is very important as a player and his batting has been really a key for us to make it to the final,” he added.

During the same press conference, the Mumbai Indians skipper heaped high praise on Suryakumar Yadav. Yadav has had a sensational season thus far and according to Rohit Sharma, the 30-year-old has taken his game to ‘another level’.

“Surya is someone who has taken his game to another level. We all have seen, we all have witnessed. One good thing about him that struck me was his tempo and maintaining that tempo when he comes to bat… He has done extremely well for us and I am really happy for him. He is here to make it big and we can see that happening,” he said.

During the 1st Qualifier against Delhi Capitals, Trent Boult walked off the field after suffering a groin strain. Rohit, however, gave a positive update on the Kiwi fast bowler, adding that he is ‘looking pretty good’.

“Trent looks pretty good, he is going to have a session today with all of us and we will see how it goes. Fingers crossed, hopefully, he plays.” Rohit Sharma said.

Mumbai Indians will square off against the Delhi Capitals in the 2020 IPL finals on Tuesday in Dubai.

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