Mumbai Indians batsman Chris Lynn has finally disclosed the reason why all-rounder Hardik Pandya did not bowl a single delivery in the first match of IPL 2021 against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
The 14th edition of the Indian Premier League has started in the most mind-boggling way, with the first game itself being the last over thriller. It was a stroke of tough luck for Rohit’s Mumbai Indians as they lost the match on the last ball. It was the day of the Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise, as their all-around performance led them to their victory.
The credit must go to South African batsman AB de Villiers and the Indian pacer Harshal Patel. AB’s spectacular innings of 48 runs with four fours and two sixes and Harshal Patel’s magnificent spell of 5 wickets for 27 runs turned the game in their favor.
Why Hardik Pandya did not bowl in IPL 2021 curtain-raiser?
Mumbai Indians’ score of 159 runs on the board fell a little bit short for RCB’s massive batting lineup. Then, Hardik Pandya’s shoulder niggle made the situation even worse, which kept him out of the bowling department.
After the match, according to India Today, Lynn stated that “I’m not a hundred percent sure, but it’s a bit of a shoulder niggle. He’s played a fair bit of cricket leading up to this tournament, in which he has to play (minimum) 14 games as well. So you don’t want to throw your eggs in one basket and risk injury. The physios and the staff doctors will treat Hardik if there’s something wrong”.
Hardik has been an excellent bowling option for Rohit Sharma’s team. He can be the game-changer with the ball following his slower ball skills.
He can be a good backup option if a particular bowler has a bad day in the office. The fans are hoping to see him back in the bowling department soon. The Mumbai Indians will play their 2nd game of the tournament on 13th April 2021 against Kolkata Knight Riders.
