IPL 2021: Here's Why Hardik Pandya Isn't Included In The Playing XI Today vs CSK

The Mumbai Indians (MI) have to take the field without two big names in Hardik Pandya and skipper Rohit Sharma against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday in Dubai as the IPL 2021 extravaganza resumes, in the UAE after being shifted out from India.

The defending champions will miss the services of their star pace-bowling all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. He has been given rest as a “precautionary measure” by the management.

Parthiv Patel, the Mumbai Indians’ talent scout and is who is also a commentator with Star Sports, spoke on the topic of Hardik Pandya not featuring against CSK.

“As a precautionary measure he isn’t added in the playing XI just like Rohit Sharma. He isn’t 100% fit and in a long tournament like IPL, can’t take risk from the very first match. 100% fit Hardik is needed for Mumbai Indians’ team balance,” Parthiv Patel told show host Jatin Sapru during pre-match show right after the toss on Star Sports. 

Kieron Pollard to lead in place of Rohit Sharma; Anmolpreet Singh makes debut

West Indian captain Kieron Pollard will lead MI in the absence of Rohit Sharma on Sunday. MS Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first.

Speaking at the toss, Pollard didn’t reveal exactly what injuries or niggles are Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya suffering with. He emphasised building momentum for the remainder of the season.

“We weren’t so sure, so happy that I lost the toss. Rohit is okay, he’ll be fine sooner rather than later, I’m just the captain for today. We started a couple of months back, and we were just starting to build the momentum with a couple of wins. Rohit misses out, Hardik is not playing as well. Anmolpreet makes his debut, that’s about it, all others are regular players,” Pollard said. 

Patiala-born Anmolpreet Singh makes his debut while left-hand batsman Saurabh Tiwary gets a game, so does New Zealand quick Adam Milne. CSK are without Sam Curran, while Josh Hazlewood plays his first game of the season.

Playing XIs:

Chennai Super Kings: Faf du Plessis, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Moeen Ali, Suresh Raina, Ambati Rayudu, Ravindra Jadeja, Dwayne Bravo, MS Dhoni, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Josh Hazlewood

Mumbai Indians: Quinton de Kock, Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Anmolpreet Singh, Saurabh Tiwary, Kieron Pollard, Krunal Pandya, Adam Milne, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Trent Boult

Also Read: IPL 2021: KKR vs RCB- 3 Big RCB Players Who Might Warm The Bench