Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
In a huge boost to the Mumbai Indians, star overseas player is all set to open for the side. However, as usual, the Mumbai-based franchise faced defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore in their opening game on April 9.
Quinton de Kock all set to open for Mumbai
South African star Quinton de Kock will now be available for selection for their second match against the Kolkata Knight Riders. While De Kock had joined the MI Paltan days before the start of the tournament, he wasn’t available for selection in the first match owing to mandatory quarantine requirements.
In his absence, Chris Lynn made his debut for MI and scored a well-made 49 and it would be a good selection headache for the team management to have ahead of their second match.
Hardik Pandya will be fit to bowl very soon: Zaheer Khan
In addition, all-rounder Hardik Panyda will be fit to bowl in the tournament very soon. The same has been confirmed by their Director of Cricket Operations - Zaheer Khan. In absence of Hardik - the bowler, MI failed to defend a challenging score despite getting rid of Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell in their season opener against Royal Challengers Bangalore. An added option in Hardik will work well for the balance of the side.
Hardik didn’t bowl in ODI due to workload management
Earlier, Hardik did not bowl in the first two ODIs against England. At the post match press conference, Virat Kohli confirmed that the decision to not bowl Hardik is also part of the workload management as the team wants him fit for the England tour after the IPL. However, the same did not go well with cricket experts.
Hardik’s workload can be managed in IPL as well: Gavaskar
Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had some harsh words to say regarding Hardik’s workload management. He said that instead of not bowling in international match against England, his load should be managed in the IPL.
However, Zaheer’s statement now confirms that he would be bowling at some stage of the tournament, much to the delight of Hardik and MI fans.