However, an unexpected and unwanted seven-month hiatus must have left him endlessly frustrated. Having endured normal weather for the past several years in what still seems like a very promising career, the 26-year-old must be eager to make a mark with the bat and ball.
In addition to the selectors, the Baroda man will also be under the surveillance of the BCCI medical team. They will watch to see if your back can withstand the rigors of a high intensity tournament.
A good IPL as Pandya would allow the selectors to target him to play a key role in India’s winter tour of Australia as well. For ME, it’s a powerful weapon – it holds the key to a late surge and an economic spell in between. With him in between, they can hope to pursue big goals. An extra meter of pace and the newly acquired helicopter shot are waiting to be pulled out of the closet.
It’s time for the new dad to churn out some Big Daddy performances.
Mumbai Indians SWOT analysis
Weakness: MI has no hitters who can rotate the shot, except for Rohit. Most of them are heavy hitters and on slow pitches, they would need players who can rotate the strike convincingly. Also with Chris lynn on the side, the successful combo of Suryakumar Yadav and Kock’s Quniton may have to be altered.
Opportunity: The spin department seems weak. Although Krunal Pandya and Rahul Chahar have proven their credentials, they lack a game breaker like Rashid Khan or Imran Tahir. Newcomer Jayant Yadav can find the courses to his liking.
Threat: A huge void created by the absence of a pacemaker Lasith malinga. Has delivered in critical situations. Hardik Pandya is also returning after a prolonged absence and hasn’t played much competitive cricket.
Force: MI’s greatest strength is its consistency. They have won the title four times and have a leader in Rohit sharma, who has led by example. Not only has he been one of their most successful hitters, but his leadership skills have come to the fore on many occasions when MI has found himself in the woods. Jasprit bumrahThe off-roader Hardik Pandya’s skills and explosive ability give them an edge.
TOI MY XI: Quinton de Kock, Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Rohit Sharma, Kieron pollard, Hardik Pandya, Krunal Pandya, Jayant Yadav, Rahul Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, Dhawal Kulkarni.
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