Hardik Pandya fit, will be available for selection against New Zealand
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be available for selection in the team’s second match against New Zealand in the ongoing 20-20 World Cup. The 28-year-old didn’t take part during Pakistan’s run-chase due to a slight problem in his shoulder. A BCCI official confirmed that Pandya was off the field due to precautionary measures and there were no major concerns.
“There is no issue and he is already feeling good. It was just a precautionary scan and the team management didn’t wish to take a chance as yesterday was only the first game of the tournament,” the official was quoted as by the Times of India.
Meanwhile, Pandya has not bowled in a while. He was selected in the Indian team as an all-rounder but played as a pure batter against Pakistan. However, Pandya has revealed that he will soon start bowling for India.
“The back is fine, it was jittery, but I won’t be bowling for now. I want to be able to bowl eventually, closer to the knockouts. The professionals and I both have to take the call about when I can have a bowl,” he told broadcasters ahead of the Pakistan clash.
Ever since MS Dhoni retired from the limited-overs format, India has used the 28-year-old as a finisher in the team. He has so far done well, scoring 495 runs in 34 innings at a strike rate of 145.16. India will next be seen against New Zealand on Sunday, October 31 and it will be interesting to see if India is willing to play Pandya as a pure batter given the importance of the game.
