Hardik Pandya signalled he is ready to return to action for the Mumbai Indians, going flat out in the nets on Monday ahead of their IPL clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday.
The Mumbai Indians
skipper, who had sat out the team’s previous three fixtures because of a back spasm, was among the earliest to step off the team bus and appeared at ease as he went through a long bowling and batting workout.
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During the session, the all-rounder delivered at full pace and struck the ball cleanly, becoming the focal point of attention as the Mumbai Indians prepared for the upcoming contest against KKR.
Pandya’s most recent outing for MI came in the away game against Chennai Super Kings on May 2, after which he was sidelined with the injury.
He did not make the trip to Dharamsala for MI’s six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings, a match in which Jasprit Bumrah became the franchise’s third captain this season, with Suryakumar Yadav also unavailable following the birth of his child.
Suryakumar was also present during MI’s training.
Pandya initially missed MI’s home encounter against Lucknow Super Giants on May 4 and then remained on the bench for the clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Raipur, despite travelling with the team.
His spell on the sidelines also intensified chatter about his long-term status with the franchise after he was spotted in conversation with Chennai Super Kings CEO Kasi Viswanathan, while some reports suggested he could be in line for a move to Delhi Capitals.
It has been a difficult IPL campaign for Pandya so far, with the all-rounder managing 146 runs at a strike rate of around 136 and picking up only four wickets at an economy rate close to 12.
Mumbai Indians, meanwhile, have endured a torrid season, with the five-time champions logging just four wins from 12 matches and bowing out of the playoff race along with Lucknow Super Giants.
MI currently occupy a spot in the bottom two on the points table, sitting on eight points from 12 games, with two league fixtures still to be played.
Over in the KKR camp, India spinner Varun Chakravarthy, who turned out with a hairline fracture on his leg in their previous match against the Gujarat Titans, skipped practice along with Matheesha Pathirana.
(With PTI Inputs)
