'Hardik Pandya has to be monitored'- Zaheer Khan on all-rounder’s back-injuries

Hardik Pandya has carved a reputation as an effective all-rounder in all the formats ever since he made his debut for India way back in 2016. However, he hasn’t had the best of times ever since the 2018 Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During one of the games against Pakistan, he injured his back and couldn’t play international cricket for a significant amount of time.

He returned to play for India in the series against New Zealand but was again ruled out due to the same back injury. Off-field controversies didn’t help his cause either by any means. The frequent injuries have turned out to be a concern for Zaheer Khan, the Director of Cricket of Mumbai Indians, a franchise for whom the 25-year-old is scheduled to play in the upcoming IPL.

“When I saw him during Asia Cup, I was very concerned with kind of signs I saw on the field. But when I spoke to him (Hardik), I found out it’s not a problem which he has faced for the first time. That’s something which should be worked on because three or four years ago he had a similar kind of issue with the back,” Zaheer was quoted as saying in a media conference.

He’s in consultation with the team of support staff

“It is related to what he feels when he is getting off through the crease (on follow through). It has a certain kind of impact which he’s been working on. For a fast bowler, the kind of injury he had in Asia Cup is not easy,” Khan, also a former Indian cricketer, added.

Zaheer was pretty clear in his comments, saying that Hardik Pandya is on track to attaining the desired fitness level. “He has to be monitored. He’s in consultation with the team of support staff. Everything is under control. So far, he has done couple of bowling sessions.

He’s going to progress in that fashion. He is on track. Sometimes distraction will help to get back on track. He wants to go out and make the numbers talk and let everyone know his priority is cricket. He has always been serious and passionate about cricket,” he added.

Mumbai Indians are scheduled to play their opening match against Delhi Capitals, previously Daredevils, on March 24 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The franchise is the three-time champions of the IPL, having won in 2013, 2015 and 2017 respectively.

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