IPL 2021: Hardik Pandya likely to be available for the game against RCB

All-rounder Hardik Pandya has so far missed both the matches for the Mumbai Indians in the UAE leg of the IPL. It was reported that the all-rounder was recovering from an injury that he picked up during the team’s practice session. However now, Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan has opened up on Pandya’s availability for the next match.

Hardik Pandya has been one of the most important links in the Mumbai Indians’ chain. He comes in handy with both the bat and the ball to help strengthen the team’s position. He wasn’t in the best of forms in the first half of the IPL but a lot of hopes were pinned on the all-rounder to emerge stronger in the UAE leg.

Mumbai Indians lost the opening match of the second half against CSK and then couldn’t manage a win against KKR as well. Owing to this, the team is currently languishing at the sixth position in the points table. Hardik Pandya’s contribution to the middle order is crucial for MI.

Thus, what comes as good news for the franchise and its fans is Zaheer Khan has revealed that Pandya has started practicing and might make it to the playing XI in the match against RCB. “Well, we have a practice session lined up today and we will see how it goes, and then we will take a call.

“He has started practicing, that is what I can share with you guys, we hope that he will be fit and fine available for the clash against RCB,” said Zaheer during a virtual pre-match press conference.

Kieron Pollard wants to take that responsibility: Zaheer Khan

MI’s batting line-up has seemed to struggle in both the matches. No batter has been able to hold the fort of the side in the middle overs so far. This, in a way, builds up the pressure on the power hitters like Kieron Pollard. When asked if Pollard was burdened with a lot to do in the crucial overs, Zaheer Khan stated that the West Indies batter looks forward to take the responsibility for the team.

“Well, he is happy to do too much. He is that kind of a player and he wants to take that responsibility. The power he brings in the matches is the game-changing ability he brings to the table. I do not want to get into how the games have gone, it is about looking ahead. So, we have to accept what has happened and then look ahead, the focus is on how we can bring out the best in us in the remaining games,” Zaheer Khan added.