India have recently thrashed New Zealand in the five-match T20I series. But Hardik Pandya failed to make it to the cut due to injury. Even there are other players too who have picked up an injury, including Rohit Sharma who sustained a calf injury during the fifth T20 International (T20I) in Mount Maunganui. After seeing this, former India pacer Zaheer Khan said Pandya needs rest.
“What was the result in the previous series? It’s not about that; it’s about putting up a team there together. That’s the strength right now this Indian team has. The strength of any squad is seen with their bench strength as well. We are in a position at the moment where the talent and pool of players we have is excellent,” Zaheer said to the reporters.
“The roles are shared by different people. We are in a great space as a team at the moment with regard to that,” he said.
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Zaheer Khan also said he has advised Pandya not to rush his comeback in the team.
“I have (spoken to him). I will say this to anyone who is a sportsman and is going through an injury phase. It’s frustrating at times when you’re away from the game, but it’s very important to stay patient and control things in your control. It’s about listening to your body,” Zaheer said.
“You have to be patient through that process and you have to listen to the team which is around you — the support staff, be it your doctor, your physio, your trainers. Those are the key people one should communicate with and control the controllables. I have always been advising everyone in the same fashion: you have to take your time; you cannot be impatient and rush your comeback. It’s about when you come back, it should be in for a long haul,” he added.
Zaheer Khan is the currently the director of cricket operations at Mumbai Indians and Hardik Pandya is one of the key players of the same franchise.
“For MI, IPL is still a long way away, and for Hardik it’s important he should take his time to come back 120 per cent. I can say it by experience, when anyone goes through injuries, it’s not about coming back, it’s about how you come back,” he concluded.
