IPL 2021: Shane Bond explains the changes Hardik Pandya has brought to his bowling

Mumbai Indians bowling coach Shane Bond, during an interaction, has explained the changes which all-rounder Hardik Pandya has brought to his bowling action. Pandya hasn’t bowled quite a lot since his injury after the 2019 World Cup. However, the Baroda player was seen bowling in the recent T20I and ODI series between India and England. 

During the last season of the Indian Premier League, Pandya didn’t bowl a single over and played as a specialist batsman. During the 2020 edition, it was informed that Pandya had not recovered completely from his back issues, which didn’t allow him to bowl. However, in the subsequent series in Australia, he rolled his arms over for a few overs. 

During the third ODI against the Brits, Hardik was seen bowling. Before that, when he bowled some overs during the T20I series, it was observed that he was bowling with a different action. Bond, who has worked with Pandya, explained the changes during an interview with the Times Of India (TOI). 

What’s important is that he hasn’t lost his aggressive approach: Shane Bond on Hardik Pandya

The former New Zealand pacer went on to explain that he felt that Hardik was diving into the crease more than what’s essential. “There was a point when I felt he was diving into the crease a little bit too much. He was also mindful of that and got the alignment a little straight and it worked,” said Bond.

Bond, who himself went through several injuries during his international career, said that it is obvious for a bowler to lose a bit of pace with injuries. He noted that Pandya still has the aggressive approach and will be able to use his bouncers effectively. 

“It’s natural that you will lose a bit of top-end consistent pace after a back injury, but what is important is that he hasn’t lost his aggressive approach. He can use the bouncer too, has the skills to swing the ball, and can still work up a good pace,” explained Bond. 

Pandya is more than likely to be seen bowling during the upcoming season of the IPL. Indian captain Virat Kohli has hinted that the all-rounder might be seen bowling in the Test cricket later this year when India goes to England. 

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