The last couple of months have been difficult for Hardik Pandya, whose capabilities as an Indian all-rounder have been put under a microscope. The doubts aren’t exactly unsubstantiated either. 

It has been a while since he has bowled for Team India or the Mumbai Indians, and has enjoyed a lot of freedom in terms of choosing the matches in which he would like to bowl, given his ailing back injury.

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However, with the Mumbai Indians hustling to find a place for themselves in the IPL Playoffs and the T20 World Cup 2021 soon approaching, the doubts around Pandya’s ability to bat and bowl at a high level could not have come at a more inopportune time. 

The good news is that the 27-year old was seen with some shades of his usual self when he struck an unbeaten 40-run innings off 30 deliveries against Punjab Kings to win the match for his side.  

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The bad news is that he is yet to prove that he is comfortable bowling for at least four overs per match - which is the minimum that is to be expected from an all-rounder of Pandya’s stature. Also, Pandya is yet to deliver his first ball in the second leg of IPL 2021. 

In a conversation with Mumbai Indians, the cricketer expressed his mindset while trying to get back in form in time and how he continues to get off his bed every morning and start afresh: 

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“I have always been that kind of a cricketer who has always seen the ball and played. I forget what has happened in the past or the previous ball. I forget it and then I come and make sure that I give my 100% when the next ball arrives,” he said while in conversation with the franchise he plays for in the IPL. 

However, it was time for the trolls to raid his happiness and call him out for not being able to bowl (so far) and still getting a spot in the T20 World Cup roster, despite other fit all-rounders like Shardul Thakur remaining in testing waters.

but he will remember everything from past when he starts bowling again

— Apurva Gaurav (@iamApurvagaurav) September 29, 2021

Good, hope he hasnt forgotten to bowl - he has been picked for his all round abilities, 4 overs from in the WC are a must, we dont have part timers...

— Blunt 2.0 (@0_blunt) September 29, 2021

Bhai bolne se nahi hotha kar ke dekhana hotha hai

— VIJESH Lall Bintu (@BintuLall) September 30, 2021

But he must perform with the Ball also.

— Shourya Sam (@ShouryaSam) September 29, 2021

Ok but what happened in past?
That Coffee with karan episode? https://t.co/y5O9kqRohK

— (@AishuMSD7) September 29, 2021

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