'He is getting closer to playing' - MI bowling coach Shane Bond throws light on Hardik Pandya's injury status

Mumbai Indians’ (MI) all-rounder Hardik Pandya missed his side’s second match of IPL Phase 2 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). And now, the bowling coach of the Mumbai side, Shane Bond has thrown light on Hardik’s injury status.

Bond revealed that Pandya is getting closer to taking the field and is training well, and added that the Mumbai side is trying to balance the needs of their franchise, as well as the needs of the Indian cricket team as well.

Bond also added that Pandya is likely to play the next match for the Mumbai Indians against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) side on 26th September 2021.

“Well, Hardik Pandya is training well, he is getting closer to playing. We’re obviously balancing the needs of our team with the needs of India as well. So, one thing this franchise does very well is to look after its players. Not only try to win this competition but also keep track of the T20 World Cup that is coming up next month. So, hopefully, Hardik will be picked for the next match,” said Shane Bond after the match between MI and KKR.

There is no point in rushing Hardik Pandya back: Shane Bond

Shane Bond also added that there is no point in rushing Hardik Pandya back into the side in a hurry, as doing so might result in him missing the whole season. The MI bowling coach concluded by stating that Pandya will return back to the playing XI soon.

“There is no point rushing him back to get injured and miss the rest of the tournament. Hopefully, we will get him back shortly and we’ll have him back,” concluded Shane Bond.

The Mumbai Indians side was decimated by the Kolkata Knight Riders in their second match of the second leg of the IPL. Batting first, the Rohit Sharma-led side posted a total of 155/6 on the board. In reply, the Kolkata side cantered past the target with 7 wickets and 4.5 overs to spare. The Mumbai Indians are currently occupying the 6th spot in the points table.