'Aayega jaldi': Hardik Pandya suggests he will be back to bowling fitness soon

Mumbai Indians (MI) star all-rounder Hardik Pandya said that he will be back to full bowling fitness, speaking before his side's game against Delhi Capitals (DC) on Sunday afternoon. Hardik, who missed the two games for his side in the second leg of the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), was nursing an injury and returned in MI's game against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Hardik was asked, how far he is from getting to bowl again during a chat with the host broadcaster, the all-rounder said, "Aayega jaldi. Koshish poori hai (I will bowl soon, efforts are on)."

Hardik apparently sustained an injury during the training before MI's first match of the second leg but he was bowling during India's tour of Sri Lanka and his full fitness will be important for India's balance in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup but the team management and the Mumbai franchise doesn't want to push Hardik the bowler.

Speaking on the eve of the game, MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene had said that Hardik's fitness is being evaluated on a daily basis but they will not rush him to bowl as if they do that he could struggle as a batter too.

"Because he [Hardik] hasn't bowled since Sri Lanka for a longer period of time and he had another niggle and managed getting through that process, what we are trying to do is what's best for Hardik going forward.

"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 and yes, he will be a good asset as a bowler as well. 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 batsman. So that's something that we will have to take into account and consideration with all concerned parties and take it a day at a time," former Sri Lanka skipper added.

Hardik after failing against RCB came back to his usual hitting form against the Punjab Kings as he stayed till the end scoring 40* runs off just 30 balls as he smashed four fours and two sixes.