The all-rounder refused to reveal whether he would be bowling during the 2022 IPL, calling it a ‘surprise’.
There has been a lot of speculation with regards to Hardik Pandya’s role at the Ahmedabad franchise, after he was drafted into the new side. Many questioned if the player would be able to bowl in the upcoming edition of the IPL, or whether he was picked purely as a batsman, his bowling fitness is also of utmost importance to the Indian side, which is dearly missing a seam-bowling all-rounder at the moment.
Pandya was at the receiving end of a lot of backlash after the T20 World Cup, where the former Mumbai Indians man was not able to bowl owing to fitness issues. Many were of the opinion that Pandya’s selection as a pure batsman was a huge mistake and one of the major reasons behind India’s disappointing group-stage exit.
The 28-year old has since undergone rehab and is supposedly working actively to come back into full fitness, which would allow him to potentially bowl again. Asked if he would bowl in the IPL, he built suspense around the decision, saying that it would be a ‘surprise’ for the fans.
After his numerous fitness injuries, many felt that it would be better if Pandya continued his career just as a batsman. However, the maverick remains committed to continue being an all-rounder.
“It’s (bowling) a surprise for everyone. My team knows where I stand. It’s been challenging. I’ve always been someone who contributes with the bat, ball and on the field. When I decided I will just bat, I wanted to spend some time on the ground.
We all love challenges and I love to fight it out. Criticism is good and it doesn’t really bother me. For me, results do matter but I work hard for the process,”
Cricbuzz quoted him as saying.
Speaking of his role in the side, Pandya said that his abilities in all three departments will add value to the squad while also making it clear that the team believes strongly in his batting prowess as well.
“I’ve always realised that as an all-rounder I give a lot of different options to the team. I’ll try to work on being an all-rounder and if something doesn’t work out then my batting is always there. But Hardik Pandya combined with both bat and ball, it sounds better than just a batter,”
Pandya concluded.
