Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya hasn’t bowled much in the Indian Premier League 2024. Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull has leveled serious allegations against the all-rounder, saying he is hiding his injury.
Hardik was out of action for months after injuring his ankle during the ICC World Cup 2023. He didn’t play before returning for Mumbai Indians in the 17th season. He made a comeback to MI after playing for Gujarat Titans for two seasons and replaced Rohit Sharma as skipper of the five-time champions.
Hardik opened the bowling for Mumbai in the first two games against Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad before taking a break from in the next two contests with Rajasthan Royals and Delhi Capitals. He bowled just one over in his team’s second win against RCB.
Doull said that Harik is injured, but he is not revealing it, and hence, he has decided to avoid bowling duties.
“You opened the bowling in the first two matches and then suddenly decided to keep yourself away from bowling. I am telling you that there is some wrong and he is hiding it. He is not fit for sure,” Simon Doull said on Cricbuzz.
He has bowled in three matches, taking just 1 wicket and conceding runs at an economy of above 11. Doull also feels that Hardik will not be selected for the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 squad until he starts bowling four overs in every match in IPL.