Hardik Pandya has lost a bit of pace but not his aggressive approach: MI's bowling coach Shane Bond

IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond has said that all-rounder Hardik Pandya has lost a bit of pace after the back surgery but his unhindered aggressive approach will stand him in good stead. Bond also suggested the maximum number of overs Hardik should bowl in Test match cricket.

Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond has said that Hardik Pandya has definitely lost a bit of pace due to his back surgery but the all-rounder's aggressive approach remains the same. The New Zealand legend added that Hardik Pandya will be playing in IPL 2021 as an all-rounder. Notably, the 27-year-old stayed away from full-time bowling duty for a long time because of a back injury which resurfaced after the 2019 World Cup. He bowled 17 overs in the 5-match T20I series against England this year but did not bowl again in the first 2 ODIs versus the visitors. However, clearing all the doubts over his bowling fitness, Hardik bowled 9 overs in the third and decisive match and helped India win the series 2-1. “Aim was to have Hardik back as an all-rounder.