UAE: There has been a piece of good news for Indian cricket fans. Hardik Pandya bowled in the nets for the first time after a very long time on Wednesday, boosting the prospect of his returning to the side as an all-rounder for India's important T20 World Cup match against New Zealand and providing a much-needed 6th bowlers option. Let us inform you that following Pakistan's 10-wicket defeat, India sees itself in a must-win scenario against the Black Caps. Hardik's inability to bowl has thrown the side's balance off.
Let me tell you that under the careful eyes of strength and conditioning coach Sohum Desai and physio Nitin Patel on Wednesday, Hardik went through fitness drills that included brief sprints. After that, he bowled for about 20 minutes in one of the nets to Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Shardul Thakur. Hardik's growth was constantly followed by India's chief coach Ravi Shastri and mentor Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Hardik underwent throwdowns from batting instructor Vikram Rathour after his brief bowling spell.
Hardik was only used as a batsman against Pak, and he failed to live up to its name, scoring only 11 runs off 8 balls. Hardik's participation in the T20 World Cup squad has raised some questions due to his health problems, prompting India to make a 15-member squad reshuffle, with reserve player Shardul Thakur replacing Axar Patel. Virat Kohli, the captain, stated ahead of the Pakistan game that he expected Hardik to bowl at least two overs all throughout the tournament.
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