The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli jas informed that the flamboyant Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya is fit to play in the crucial Super 12 clash against New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday. The two teams will be facing each other in the must-win game in Dubai. Kohli said that Hardik Pandya’s shoulder is “absolutely fine” but did not confirm whether the latter will be seen bowling against the Blackcaps if he’s retained in the playing XI.

Hardik Pandya suffered a minor injury on his right shoulder while batting against Pakistan in India’s opening game last Sunday after being hit by a delivery from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Pandya was included in the playing XI despite India also having an option of going with Shardul Thakur in the first game but whether that will be the case against New Zealand or not, Kohli did not make it clear in the virtual press conference. 

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Virat Kohli said, “Shardul is definitely a guy who’s in our plans constantly, making a case for himself. He is definitely someone who can bring in a lot of value to the team. What role he plays or where he fits in I cannot talk about it right now. But Shardul is someone who’s got great potential and he will add great value to the team.”

Pandya is playing in the team has as a specialist batter due to his back issues which have prevented him from bowling since July this year. He did bowl a few overs in the nets earlier this week but an update on his bowling fitness is not clear. 

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Hardik Pandya’s inability to bowl at the moment has made calls of Shardul’s inclusion grow louder as he was in phenomenal form for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the IPL 2021 in UAE before the T20 World Cup. Shardul scalped 21 wickets to finish as CSK’s highest wicket-taker and the fourth-best overall this season with the ball.