Mumbai Indians star Hardik Pandya has not had a great form in the Indian Premier League from the last couple of seasons. It was due to his performance with IPL franchise Mumbai Indians that he was noticed by the Indian selectors and finally got his maiden call up to the Indian team in all the formats. Since then, he has never had to look back. However, things have not been the same lately. Hardik Pandya has long lost the status of a regular started in the Indian team and he is often not even selected for many major tours. Although he has been considered for India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, it remains a doubt whether he will be given a chance to start, as according to Akash Chopra, Hardik Pandya will have to do more than just batting to cement his position in the playing 11.
After an injury that he suffered a few years ago, Hardik Pandya has completely given up on bowling due to a back issue. He now only bowls and fields and although he is exceptional in both the phases of the game, his bowling is missed by the masses and it has started to act as a disadvantage for him indeed. His inability to bowl is hindering his status as a main team batsman.
With the bat too, Hardik Pandya is no more that aggressive batsman that he once used to be. Yet, we get to see glimpses of the old Hardik Pandya then and now. For example, in the last match of Mumbai Indians, Hardik Pandya won the match with a huge six and everyone was like Pandya is back.
However, that was not actually the case and it became clear in today’s clash between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. MI lost a couple of early wickets and needed Hardik Pandya to rise up to the occasion. However, he failed to do so and departed after a knock of a mere 17 off 18. He got clean bowled by Avesh Khan.
