In the Indian Premier League 2024, the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians secured a crucial victory, ending a three-match losing streak by defeating Rishabh Pant’s Delhi Capitals by 29 runs at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on April 7.
Batting first, Mumbai Indians set a formidable target of 234 runs, losing five wickets in the process. In response, Delhi Capitals could only muster 205 runs, losing eight wickets in their innings.
While Mumbai emerged victorious, attention was drawn to Hardik Pandya’s decision not to bowl a single over during the run-chase, raising concerns among fans and experts.
His absence from bowling in the past two matches, despite doing so in earlier matches against Gujarat Titans and Sunriser Hyderabad, has prompted questions about his fitness.
During the post-match presentation, Pandya addressed enquiries about his bowling omission in the previous matches by stating that he is fit and in good shape, but did not provide further clarification.
“All good, will be bowling at the right time. Had it covered, so didn’t need to roll my arm over,” Pandya said.
Pandya’s return to cricket comes after nearly four months of absence, having last played in October 2023 during the 2023 World Cup group stage match against Bangladesh. He sustained an injury during the World Cup, which led to his withdrawal from the tournament. Subsequently, he was absent from India’s limited-overs series against Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
