Former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull believes that Indian cricket team all-rounder Hardik Pandya is injured but he does not admit it. Hardik opened the first two games of IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians but did not bowl a single ball in the next two games. Hardik bowled a single against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday but did not return after conceding 13 runs. Durr said there was something wrong with Hardik and his “gut feeling” was that the all-rounder might have sustained some damage.

“You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling at No. 1. All of a sudden, you’re not needed anymore. He’s injured. I’m telling you there’s something wrong with him. He doesn’t admit it. But he’s sure Something’s wrong. That’s my gut feeling,” Duer said on Cricbuzz.

Hardik was earlier asked about his decision not to bowl against Delhi Capitals, but the Mumbai Indians skipper said he will bowl at the “right time”.

“Everything is fine, will bowl at the right time. If it is covered, then I don’t need to turn my arm over,” Hardik said.

Hardik, who was out for a considerable period after sustaining an ankle injury during the 2023 Cricket World Cup against Bangladesh, played just a few games before taking the field in the 2024 IPL. Injuries could be an issue considering the fact that the T20 World Cup is coming up in 2024.

Hardik also replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain ahead of the start of the new IPL season, leading to a section of the crowd booing him during MI matches. Virat Kohli, however, was not happy with the response and asked the crowd to cheer for the all-rounder during Thursday’s match.