IPL 2021: 'Hopefully, Hardik will be fit for today’s clash,' says Zaheer Khan

Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya. Pic/BCCI; IPL

Five-time champions Mumbai Indians are awaiting their first win in the UAE leg of IPL-14 after being beaten by Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in their last two games. However, they are optimistic that all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who missed both games due to a niggle, will make a comeback against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Dubai today.

Former India pacer and MI's Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan said: "He [Hardik] has started practising, that is what I can share with you. We are hopeful that he will be fit and available for the clash against RCB," Zaheer said during a virtual pre-match press conference on Saturday.

Zaheer Khan. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Hardik, 27, has scored 1,401 runs and claimed 42 wickets from 87 IPL games. The Baroda all-rounder, who is part of India's T20 World Cup squad, played a lone
T20I game on India's recent tour of Sri Lanka, where he scored 10 and had one wicket to his name.

"We have a practice session lined up today [Saturday] and we will see how it goes and then we will take a call [on Hardik]," Zaheer explained.

MI's middle-order comprising Suryakumar Yadav (3 and 5), Ishan Kishan (11 and 14), Kieron Pollard (15 and 21) and Krunal Pandya (four and 12) has failed to raise the bar in last two games. However, Zaheer felt the out-of-form middle-order is not a concern. "It is just about finding that rhythm. You have seen in this format and this tournament in particular that once you get on a roll, you can win a couple of games together. This team have been so successful because of certain processes in terms of form, it is always just one innings away, be it a batter or a bowler and for you to win games of cricket, everything has to come together," Zaheer remarked.

Defending champions Mumbai Indians are placed sixth after four wins on the points table.

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