ICC T20 World Cup: Virat Kohli gives update about Hardik Pandya’s fitness ahead of New Zealand clash

As Team India is all set to face New Zealand in their crucial Super 12 clash in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021 on Sunday, the captain Virat Kohli gave an update on Hardik Pandya’s fitness. The two teams will lock horns in the must-win game in Dubai after both sides lost to Pakistan.

Pandya had hurt his shoulder in the clash against Babar Azam’s side while batting and was not seen on the ground fielding. Pandya scored 11 off 8 balls in India’s 10-wicket loss to Pakistan.

Talking about the same, Kohli, in the press conference said that Hardik Pandya’s shoulder is “absolutely fine”. However, he did not confirm whether the all-rounder will bowl against the Blackcaps or is even retained in the playing XI.

“Hardik Pandya is fine. If you’re talking about the blow on his shoulder, he’s absolutely fine”.

The Mumbai Indians (MI) all-rounder was preferred over fast-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur in the first game, but whether the Indian team management will continue with the same team or make changes against the Kiwis, Kohli did not make it clear in the virtual press conference.

However, the captain did talk about Shardul Thakur and said that he is in the team management’s plans. “Shardul is definitely a guy who’s in our plans constantly, making a case for himself. He is definitely someone who can bring in a lot of value to the team”.

Kohli also spoke about India’s bowling unit and said it was not an individual fault and the side lost against Pakistan as a team.

“As a bowling group we failed to pick up wickets against Pakistan, and that can happen. We understand where things went wrong and we accept that, without any ego and excuses. I will not single out individuals, we lost as a team.

“Bumrah is obviously the best all-format bowler in the world. There are a lot of expectations from him and he accepts that. We didn’t get wickets in the last game but that won’t happen every time. We’re a quality side and can beat any team.”

Kohli added that it is important to have a sixth bowling option available. “It can be important to have a sixth bowler. It’s important to understand that the game situation dictates if you need a sixth bowler. We didn’t need one in the Pakistan game”.