Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has admitted that Gujarat Titans (GT) captain Hardik Pandya not bowling on a regular basis in IPL 2022 is a matter of concern for Team India. The 41-year-old former cricketer claimed that Pandya has not looked completely fit in the matches in which he bowled.
The 28-year-old has bowled only 24.3 overs in IPL 2022, taking four wickets at an average of 47.75 and an economy rate of 7.80. He impressed with his pace in the first few matches, but did not bowl in a few matches due to fitness issues. Although the medium pacer opened the bowling for Gujarat in his last three matches, he did not complete his quota of four overs in any match.
Let us tell you that when Gujarat Titans take on Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2022 at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, 24 May, all eyes will be on Pandya. Sharing his thoughts on the match during a discussion on Sportskeeda, Kaif expressed concern about Pandya’s fitness while bowling.
Kaif said, “Hardik not bowling regularly is a matter of concern. He is selected as an all-rounder in the Indian team. He has been selected for the upcoming South Africa series, but he is not looking fully fit while bowling. He hasn’t bowled in every match, bowling only a couple of overs in some matches. In such a situation, the question mark remains whether he can bowl four overs in every match. ,
The Gujarat Titans captain has recently been included in the Indian team, which will take on South Africa in a five-match home series next month. Pandya was dropped from the team after India’s exit from the T20 World Cup last year. Apart from Pandya, Dinesh Karthik has returned after three years.