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MI coach Mahela Jayawardene explains why Hardik Pandya is not bowling: Want to be sure that he is comfortable

YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/21/2021 12:36:39 PM

Chennai, Apr 20 Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene has said that they don't want to risk an injury to Hardik Pandya which is why he is not bowling in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 just yet. Hardik had a surgery on his back just before IPL 2020 and has bowled only a few overs since coming back to competitive cricket since then. He bowled just 5 overs in the ODI series in Australia and a few in the T20Is against England at home. The all-rounder hasn't bowled a single over for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2021 and Jayawardene says they want to monitor his workload for another few weeks before taking a call. "We were looking forward to him bowling this season as he didn't bowl in last year's IPL after coming from an injury and he wasn't ready. In his last ODI match against England, I believe Hardik picked up a niggle so we don't want to risk an injury. "We want to be sure that he is comfortable in bowling so hopefully in the next few weeks with a bit of work and all that you might see him bowling, we would love to see him bowling but as soon as the niggle goes off and he is comfortable in bowling we could utilise that asset as well," Jayawardene said. Hardik will be seen in action on Tuesday when Mumbai Indians.