Former India pacer Zaheer Khan and MI’s director of operations talked about Hardik Pandya’s mental condition ahead of the IPL. He revealed that the all-rounder is in the right frame of mind currently and is only prioritizing cricket in his life.
“Sometimes the distraction actually helps you get back on track. So, Hardik is pretty much on track. For any cricketer, the best way to go about his business is by going out there on that field and let his numbers talk. Hardik is in that frame of mind. He wants opportunities, he wants to go out there, express himself and let everyone know that his priority is cricket,” Khan told DNA.
Khan then talked about Pandya’s injury which has troubled him since last year’s Asia Cup. The Baroda all-rounder sustained a horrific back injury last year during the Asia Cup that saw him miss the rest of the year due to the same issue. He came back into the side in New Zealand but again missed the five-match ODI series against Australia due to lower back stiffness. Khan said that Pandya’s recovery from that injury is going really well and Mumbai Indians are closely monitoring his situation.
“He is very serious and passionate about the game. In terms of monitoring his workload, he has been very good with that. For a fast bowler, for the kind of injury he had in the Asia Cup, it is not easy. He has to be monitored. There is no doubt about it. He is in consultation with the team of support staff that he has been working with. So, everything is under control so far. He has done a couple of bowling sessions. And he has got to progress in that fashion.”
