ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

I’m Not Yet Ready as a Bowler, We Missed a Sixth Bowler: Hardik

Hardik Pandya admits India were one bowler short after the ODI series-opener loss to Australia in Sydney.

Updated
Cricket
2 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya, whose rearguard action proved insufficient for India as the bowlers had already leaked 374 runs to Australian batsman in the first One-day International on Friday, said that the side is missing a sixth bowling option who can take the load of a bowler.

Pandya, who was picked as an all-round option providing a sixth bowler's role but hasn't been bowling as he isn't match-fit to deliver that role, also said that India could also look at someone who has played for India before, also hinting that an option may well be from within the Pandya family.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD
“That has always been the question. We have to find an all-rounder and nurture him. When I came into the circuit, I was not an all-rounder... but I worked hard on it.”
Hardik Pandya after Sydney ODI

"It was always going to be difficult without a sixth bowler (with the regular bowlers going for runs). The sixth bowler's role is more to give cushion to someone from among the regular bowlers who is having a bad day. Maybe, we'll have to find someone who has played for India and groom him. Maybe, we should look into Pandya family," said the batsman, who hit seven fours and four sixes in his 90-run innings.

Pandya added that he would love to bowl also but he is not yet match-fit.

"I am working at my bowling at the nets. But I am not yet match-fit with my bowling…. I will come at the right time to bowl when needed. I am looking at the long-term goal. I want to be 100 per cent fit to my bowling capacity. I won't exhaust myself. The process (for me to return to bowling) is going on. My bowling isn't ready," added Pandya.

Pandya also said that he wants to do both roles ideally. "When I bat, I think of myself as a batsman."

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

0

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from sports and cricket

Published: 
Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×