Hardik Pandya is under control, assures Zaheer

Mumbai Indians Director (Cricket Operations) Zaheer Khan also feels Lasith Malinga’s presence will be a learning curve for Jasprit Bumrah leading to the World Cup.

Zaheer Khan, Mumbai Indians Director (Cricket Operations), at the press conference in Mumbai on Tuesday.

 

As Hardik Pandya gears up for the Indian Premier League season, Mumbai Indians’ Director of Cricket Operations, Zaheer Khan, feels that the all-rounder needs to be monitored.

Returning from a lower-back injury, which ruled him out of India’s limited-overs series against Australia, Pandya has bowled a few overs at the MI nets. “In terms of monitoring his workload, he has been very good. He took a break because, for a fast bowler, the kind of injury he had in the Asia Cup, it’s not easy. He has been consulting MI’s support staff and everything is under control,” Zaheer said.

“He has done a couple of bowling sessions so far. He is going to progress in that fashion,” said Zaheer, the former India pacer.

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Pandya suffered a career-threatening injury in the Asia Cup last year.

“When I saw him fall in the Asia Cup, I was very concerned. But when I spoke to him, I found out that it’s not a problem he faced for the first time. He was in a similar situation three or four years ago. And it’s related to something that happens when he is through the (bowling crease). In the short term, it’s not going to have any consequences, and he is pretty much aware of where things stand. But in the long term, he knows what he needs to do to get rid of those issues,” a vastly experienced Zaheer said.

Zaheer feels Pandya should spend more time with bowling coach Shane Bond.

“We have the great Shane with us. Hardik should be talking to him because he has been through back issues which eventually had an effect on his career. I have been chatting with Hardik in terms of his general approach.”

Bumrah-Malinga pair

Zaheer was also asked whether he will share some tips with India pacer, Jasprit Bumrah, leading to the World Cup.

“Things happen around the brainstorming. It is a dialogue that takes place, it’s a match scenario. In terms of an individual, they have their own plans. Bumrah is an asset to have in the team. He is very much clear about what he has to do. If I can add anything which he feels through the discussion will benefit him, sure that will happen,” Zaheer said.

This time, Mumbai Indians, has also recalled Sri Lankan pacer Lasith Malinga.

Zaheer feels it will benefit Bumrah. “Bumrah idolises him as well. Malinga in his peak and Bumrah are two similar kinds of bowlers. Bumrah has always benefited by spending time with Malinga,” Zaheer said.