IPL 2024: Why is MI captain Hardik Pandya not Bowling?

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Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is in the spotlight after his limited role as a bowler in the IPL 2024.

With only one wicket from three games and an economy rate of 11.12, questions about his fitness have surfaced. Hardik has been under the pump for many reasons, and now his lack of bowling is also being scrutinized.

Simon Doull, the former New Zealand fast bowler and pundit, has speculated on Pandya's injury status after his lack of bowling in the tournament. Doull spoke about the sudden cease in Hardik's bowling and said the player is likely to be injured.

"You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in-game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required. He's injured. I'm telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it. But there is something wrong with him for sure. That is my gut feeling," Doull said while speaking on Cricbuzz.

Hardik opened the bowling against Gujarat Titans in MI's first match of the season. He bowled three overs and conceded 30 runs without any success. He then bowled four overs against SRH and conceded 86 runs with a wicket to his name. He bowled one over against RCB in their most recent match and conceded 13 runs in it.

This has led to intense speculation about Pandya's ability to contribute fully to the Mumbai Indians (MI) as a player and a captain. He has contributed with the bat but bowling will be a key component as the all-rounder represents India in the T20 World Cup just after the conclusion of IPL 2024.

Why is Hardik Pandya not Bowling?

The ongoing speculation about Pandya's fitness raises questions about the team's strategy and his role in the upcoming matches.

Hardik Pandya hasn't looked injured while batting and his movement has also looked fine. Hence it looks like the MI captain is only not bowling because he has many options and feels his bowling is not required in the recent matches.

MI have registered two consecutive victories after losing their first three matches and they face defending champions Chennai Super Kings up next on Sunday (April 14).