Currently, India and Pakistan are locking horns with each other in the much-awaited fourth match of the super-12 stage of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021 in Dubai. After winning, the toss, the Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam asked the arch-rivals to bat first and his bowlers didn’t disappoint as India only managed to reach the total of 151/7 in their quota of 20 overs. However, in the second innings, Hardik Pandya didn’t come out to the field.
In the penultimate over of the first innings, Hardik Pandya was clutching his shoulder that might be why he hasn’t taken the field. Commentators were also heard saying that he had gone for precautionary scans of his shoulder. His back is not a matter of concern anymore but ahead of the game, he had clarified that he won’t resume bowling until at least the T20 World Cup 2021 close in on the knockouts.
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Ahead of the much-awaited game, Hardik Pandya said, “The back is fine, it was jittery, but I won’t be bowling for now. I want to be able to bowl eventually, closer to the knockouts. The professionals and I both have to take the call about when I can have a bowl.”
INNINGS BREAK!
Captain @imVkohli's fine 5⃣7⃣ & @RishabhPant17's 3⃣9⃣ guide #TeamIndia to 1⃣5⃣1⃣/7⃣. 👍 👍#T20WorldCup #INDvPAK
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/eNq46RHDCQ pic.twitter.com/in0w8qSrir
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 24, 2021
Hardik’s selection in the World Cup squad has been criticized by quite a few people scrutiny as the all-rounder has not bowled for a while, but a day before the team’s opening match in the tournament, the Indian skipper, Virat Kohli asserted that he has an important role to play as a finisher.
Elaborating the same just before the game, Hardik Pandya said, “I don’t like to get too hyped by the situation, and my family makes sure of that too. I stay away from social media because you do get excited and get the vibes.”
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The flamboyant all-rounder added, “It’s simple, and we leave emotions out of the way, and keep things professional. We make sure we tick the right boxes, and do the processes right.”
