Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene said if all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be pushed to bowl then may dipress his batting chances without injury.
“Whether he can bowl in the IPL or not is something that we will have to look at on a daily basis and evaluate and then see how he progresses. I understand all concerns, but we need to do what’s best for Hardik and him going forward. He will be an asset as a bowler as well,” Jayawardene said on Friday, ahead of MI’s tie against on-song Delhi Capitals.
“But at the moment if we push too hard, it might be an issue where he might even struggle and not be an asset as a batter. So that’s something that we will have to take into account with all concerned parties and take it a day at a time.”
The Sri Lankan admitted that Hardik has been struggling with back injury since 2018.
“Because he hasn’t bowled since Sri Lanka for a longer period of time and he had another niggle and managed getting through that proces,” Jayawardene said.
“I understand the World Cup (is to follow) as well. We are talking to the Indian team management and making sure that as soon as he feels comfortable, we get him to the bowling programme and prepare him.”
Despite Hardik and Kieron Pollard coming good with the willow vs Punjab Kings.
