NEW DELHI – All-rounder Hardik Pandya has declared himself fit for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL), a major boost for both Mumbai and India ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.
Pandya has been sidelined since October last year after sustaining an ankle injury during a 50-over-50 World Cup match in Pune.
The 30-year-old has replaced Rohit Sharma as Mumbai Indians captain for this year’s IPL, which begins in Chennai on Friday.
“Yes, I will bowl,” Pandya told reporters on Monday, adding that he returned to full fitness in January.
“My World Cup injury was a crazy injury. It had nothing to do with my previous injuries, it had nothing to do with my fitness.”
A fully fit Pandya will be India’s preferred bowling all-rounder in the T20 World Cup in the West Indies.
The change in management in Mumbai surprised many, but Pandya did not think it would affect his relationship with India captain Rohit, who led the franchise to five IPL crowns.
“I don’t think it will be awkward or anything. It will be a nice feeling because we have been playing (together) for 10 years now,” said Pandya, who led Gujarat Titans to the IPL 2022 title in his debut season.
I’ve played under him my whole career and I know he’ll always have my hand.
“He’s traveling, playing. It’s been a few months since we’ve seen each other. We’ll definitely talk when he comes.”
Mumbai signed England left-arm fast bowler Luke Wood as a replacement for injured Australian Jason Behrendorff on Monday.
Mumbai skipper Pandya fit to bowl in IPL
