IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians won’t rush Hardik Pandya back, says bowling coach Shane Bond

Mumbai Indians (MI) bowling coach Shane Bond has stated that the defending champions will not look to rush all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return, despite losing two consecutive matches in the ongoing UAE leg of IPL 2021. Hardik has not featured so far for the Mumbai-based franchise with the cricketer’s absence certainly impacting the fortunes of the side. Bond’s response will however be a source of concern for fans who were supremely optimistic of a comeback for the all-rounder in MI’s next encounter.

“Looking hopeful for Hardik”

“Hardik’s training well, like Rohit, like he trained today he’s getting closer to playing. We’re obviously balancing the needs of our team with the needs of Team India as well. So one thing that this franchise does very well is look after its players. They are not only trying to win this competition but are eyeing the T20 World Cup that’s following up. So, looking hopeful for Hardik to be back for the next match and as I said, he trained today, he trained pretty well,” said the MI bowling coach as quoted by the franchise’s official website.

Bond admitted that the team’s middle-order had left much to be desired, with the department’s inability to step up certainly influencing the final result.

“That’s a fair comment, I think. I mean, if you look at our team, probably in general it is operating around 80%. The game tonight, the last time we played the first six overs, we controlled and got ourselves in a position to control the game. We can rightly say that the middle order never really kicked in and got going. So, we talk a lot about someone kicking through the backend of the innings. Our batting order can play around them, um, and we just haven’t been able to do that,” he stated.

“So, once again we found ourselves with a score that was sub par. But one thing we do know is that we’ve got a quality batting line-up. We’ve got a good surface out here, there’s good surfaces through this tournament, so, hoping to turn it around pretty quickly cause we need to. We have to start winning some games,” added Bond.

“We’re obviously desperate to put them back on the field”

The MI bowling coach stated that while the franchise was eager to ensure a fine balance between the side and the national team’s needs, they were also desperate to see the star players back on the field.

“There’s no hard directive. The one thing you’ve got to do with players of your team, as a key duty, is to look after them. So, we’re obviously desperate to put them back on the field and we planned to desperately keep Rohit on the field tonight as well. I think you’ve to balance everything up, you’ve to consider what the player wants and one thing our franchise does is look after its players. There’s also no point rushing in back to get injured and miss the rest of the tournament when we may have a chance to win it. So, I think we’re doing the right thing and hopefully we’ll get him back shortly and he’ll have an impact on the backend of the tournament, get us into the playoffs and hopefully win the tournament for us from here.”