Seven months ago, when Hardik Pandya smashed 4 sixes in a 25-ball 38, after which took three for 26 whereas taking part in within the DY Patil T20 sport on the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Hardik showed how hungry he was to return to the sport after nearly 5 months, following a lower back surgery.
However, an surprising, unwelcoming seven-month break, should have left him irritated at the end. Having endured an abnormal time for the final couple of years the 26-year-old all-rounder should be itching to make a mark with each bat and ball.
Hardik Pandya will be under the watch of BCCI medical team. They will monitor his if his back can hold up to playing such high intensity tournament.
A good IPL for Hardik Pandya, would enable selectors to bet on him to play a key role in India’s winter tour to Australia. For Mumbai Indians, Hardik is a potent weapon- he holds the key for a late surge and an economic spell in the middle-overs. With Hardik playing in the middle, will help the team to chase down big targets.
Mumbai Indians SWOT evaluation
Weakness: MI do not have batsmen who can rotate strike, except Rohit. Most of them are large hitters and on sluggish pitches, they’d want gamers who can rotate strike convincingly. Also, with Chris Lynn within the facet, the profitable combo of Suryakumar Yadav and Quinton de Kock could must be disturbed.
Opportunity: The spin division appears weak. Although Krunal Pandya and Rahul Chahar have confirmed their credentials, they lack a sport breaker like a Rashid Khan or Imran Tahir. New addition Jayant Yadav could discover the pitches to his liking.
Threat: A large void created by the absence of pacer Lasith Malinga. He has delivered in crunch conditions. Hardik Pandya too is returning after a chronic absence and has not performed an excessive amount of aggressive cricket.
Strength: MI’s greatest energy is their consistency. They have gained the title 4 times and have a pacesetter in Rohit Sharma, who has led by examples. Not solely has he been one in every of their most profitable batsmen, his leadership abilities have come to the fore on loads of events when MI have discovered themselves within the woods. Jasprit Bumrah‘s abilities and all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s explosive skill provides them a leading edge.