The Mumbai Indians camp faces a looming concern ahead of their highly anticipated clash against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in the ongoing IPL. Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull has raised eyebrows with his assertion that star all-rounder and MI’s skipper, Hardik Pandya, is grappling with an undisclosed injury, despite his reluctance to acknowledge it.
Simon Doull’s explosive revelation stems from Pandya’s inconsistent bowling performances throughout the IPL season. Despite starting as an opener for MI in the initial two matches and securing only one wicket, the 30-year-old has conspicuously refrained from bowling in subsequent games.
“You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required. He’s injured. I’m telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it. But there is something wrong with him for sure. That is my gut feeling,” Simon Doull expressed during a segment on Cricbuzz.
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Pandya’s decision to abstain from bowling during the match against Delhi Capitals had already triggered speculation, with the skipper citing that he would bowl at the opportune moment. However, Doull’s remarks imply a deeper underlying issue.
“All good will be bowling at the right time. Had it covered, so didn’t need to roll my arm over,” Hardik Pandya had mentioned in a previous post-match interview.
Doull’s revelation assumes significance, arriving just ahead of Mumbai Indians’ pivotal encounter against their long-standing rivals, the Chennai Super Kings. Pandya’s fitness and availability could potentially sway the outcome of the match, as the five-time champions strive to rebound following a shaky start to the season.
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Moreover, with the T20 World Cup 2024 looming on the horizon, any prolonged absence for Pandya could compromise his readiness for the prestigious event scheduled for June. Despite Pandya’s current non-bowling status, the Mumbai-based franchise has staged a commendable resurgence, clinching consecutive victories after enduring three consecutive losses at the start of the season.
