Why Hardik Pandya is not bowling his full quota of 4 overs? Mumbai Indians official gives clarification after Simon Doull's injury claim

Mumbai Indians (MI) have got their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 campaign back on track after three consecutive losses on the trot. However, the controversy around Hardik Pandya is still persisting. After his whirlwind cameo in the run chase against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), former New Zealand cricketer-turned-commentator Simon Doull claimed that Hardik Pandya is injured and it is the reason behind him now bowling in two matches and bowling just one over against RCB. 
 

"You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required. He's injured. I'm telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it. But there is something wrong with him for sure. That is my gut feeling," Doull said while speaking to Cricbuzz. 
 

A MI official on the condition of anonymity falsified Doull's claims which have stirred up a controversy around the new MI skipper. 
 

“As far as his bowling is concerned its team management and his call.  It is basically team’s strategy. Whenever he will be required to bowl according to the game situation, he will not shy away from it,” the source told Sports Tak.    
 

“His teammates are doing well so why would any captain disturb the lineup. Jasprit Bumrah, Gerald Coetzee and Akash Madhwal have been bowling well. If required, Hardik will bowl in the next match. There’s no injury concern.”

ALSO READ: Frustrated Krunal Pandya bowls a bouncer to debutant Jake Fraser-McGurk after getting smashed for 3 consecutive sixes; video goes viral
 

Hardik’s bowling numbers in IPL 2024

Hardik went for 13 runs in one over he bowled against RCB on April 11. He did not bowl against against Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Wankhede Stadium. So far, he has taken just one wicket in the season. His only wicket came against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the record-breaking high-scoring encounter. However, with the bat, he has been contributing with cameos. The hard-hitting batter is yet to be dismissed for a single-digit score.

ALSO READ: Khaleel Ahmed enters IPL 2024 purple cap race after clash against LSG; GT fast bowler slips out of top five
 

After two wins, MI are placed seventh on the points table. They will take on defending champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) led by Ruturaj Gaikwad at home on April 14.
 

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