IPL 2021: “Humare Pandya brothers aa gaye” - Mumbai Indians’ Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya join team in Abu Dhabi
The Mumbai Indians’ (MI) sibling duo of Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya have joined the franchise in Abu Dhabi ahead of the second half of IPL 2021. The defending champions have already begun their practice sessions and are sharing updates on social media on a regular basis.
Taking to their official accounts, MI shared a post informing fans that the Pandya brothers are set to begin their preparations for the UAE leg of the T20 league. The franchise posted an image of the two sharing a fist bump and flashing the thumbs up sign. MI headlined the post:
“Humare Pandya brothers aa gaye!”
MI also shared a video in which both cricketers are seen blowing kisses.
Both Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya were part of the Indian limited-overs squad that toured Sri Lanka for a short series in July. But ahead of the second T20I, Krunal Pandya tested positive for COVID-19 following which the all-rounder and eight of his close contacts were placed in isolation.
Krunal Pandya, Yuzvendra Chahal and K Gowtham had to stay back in Sri Lanka after the conclusion of the series. All three returned to India after completing their isolation and testing negative for COVID-19.
Hardik Pandya had a poor run in the first half of IPL 2021 in India. He scored 52 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 118.18 and did not bowl. Krunal Pandya, on the other hand, scored 100 runs in seven games at a strike rate of 131.57 and picked up three wickets with his left-arm spin.
Click here for the updated IPL 2021 purple cap list.
IPL 2021 key to decide Hardik Pandya's availability as bowler at the T20 World Cup: Paras Mhambrey
Last week, National Cricket Academy (NCA) bowling coach Paras Mhambrey said the upcoming UAE leg of the T20 tournament will be significant for Hardik Pandya, as it will provide a fair idea of how much he can bowl at the T20 World Cup later in the year.
Hardik Pandya hasn’t bowled in the IPL in recent seasons, after he underwent a back surgery in 2019. He has even lost his place in the Test team owing to his inability to bowl. In an interview with IANS, Mhambrey said:
"Yes, the way I look at him (Hardik) and the way I feel, I am sure he will bowl (in IPL). First step is the IPL. Maybe the franchise will decide how will they use him. That, kind of, will decide how it will be preparatory ground for the World Cup."
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in the UAE and Oman immediately after the conclusion of IPL 2021.