Hardik Pandya will play soon after recovering from shoulder problems: Zaheer Khan

Hardik Pandya will play soon after recovering from shoulder problems: Zaheer Khan

Hardik Pandya did not play in the Mumbai Indians lung opener on Friday due to a shoulder concern, but the India all-rounder will soon contribute to the team’s cause with the ball in hand, the COO said Monday. Cricket Team, Zaheer Khan.

The Mumbai Indians, the five-time champions, lost their first game to Royal Challengers Bangalore by two wickets.

“Hardik, as a complete package, is always a great value, everyone knows that. It was something related to the workload in the previous game, ”Zaheer said in the pre-game conference before his game against Kolkata Knight Riders.

“He pitched all over the England series, in the last ODI he threw about nine overs and that’s why in consultation with the physio, we had to take that approach.

“There was a bit of concern on the shoulder, but I don’t think it’s worrisome. You’ll see him bowling very soon. We are very confident that he will also contribute with the ball in his hand, ”added Zaheer, a former left-arm pacemaker.

Zaheer also said the West Indies all-rounder Kieron Pollard was the team’s sixth bowling option.

“Pollard is our sixth bowling option. In that department, we are not very concerned. You just have to adapt and adjust.

“This year’s format is a different format. So, from that point of view, we need to have that adaptability and flexibility also in the team, with different places, not playing in their own field, which is what we accept and plan accordingly regarding next season, “he said. additional.

According to Zaheer, South African starter Quinton De Kock will be available for the game on Tuesday.

“Quinton is out of his quarantine. Yesterday he did a training session with the team. He is looking forward to the season. It will be available for tomorrow’s game, ”Zaheer said.

Zaheer also praised hitter Ishan Kishan and said he has thrived since last season’s game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, where he played a splendid shot.

“Ishan Kishan seems confident now. When you’re growing as a cricketer when you’re trying to make that impact at the highest level, you know you have that turning point and with Ishan last year it was that turning point when he played that shot against RCB, ”Zaheer explained.

“He (Kishan) just flourished from there and is in the same area and doing his business, making sure that he continues with those processes and spends enough time on the networks and tries to improve himself,” he said.

Australian hitter for the Mumbai Indians, Chris Lynn, hit a quick 49 on the lung opener. Now that Quinton will be available, it’s still unclear if Lynn will keep her spot.

“It’s a good headache to have him as a manager like I said earlier when I said that we are lucky and lucky to have a team where people are waiting to take advantage of those opportunities and pushing each other, so that’s the exciting part.”.

Zaheer also described Jasprit Bumrah as the spearhead of rhythm as his trump card and said he was someone who could change the game at any time.

When asked if Bumrah should have played earlier in the last game against RCB, Zaheer joked: “You can’t establish a pattern for using a trump card, you have to use the trump card in an aggressive way, when you really need it.”.

“And that was the discussion and that is generally the process around Jasprit. He is someone who can change the game at any time and we use him accordingly, “he concluded.