Mumbai Indians' campaign in the second phase of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been very ordinary. Their batting, especially in the middle order is a cause of concern for the coaches. The absence of Hardik Pandya from the first two matches was visible in the middle overs batting by MI.
Zaheer Khan, the Director of Cricket Operations for Mumbai Indians said that Hardik Pandya might feature in the playing XI for Mumbai against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). Pandya has been out of cricket for the last couple of matches due to injury.
Zaheer, while talking about Pandya at a press conference, said, "He has started practicing, that’s what I can share with you guys right now. So, we are hopeful that he (Hardik) will be fit and available. That’s what we are hoping.“
"As you know, IPL is a very highly competitive tournament, so teams are always trying to have a one up on each other and they are getting smart in their preparation and these days every team is analysing every other team. So we have to stay on the top," Zaheer added.
Mumbai Indians have won 4 out of the 9 matches they have played so far and still need to win at least four out of their remaining five matches. Zaheer is weary about it but is confident too. He said, “When it comes to the back-end of the tournament, the pressure is (high), this team certainly knows how to perform under pressure,” added Zaheer.
(With inputs from PTI)