MI managing Hardik's workload with eye on India's intl calendar

With four wins from six games defending champions Mumbai Indians have started well in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League While the team is currently sitting at the top of the points table a question on everyones mind is whether star allrounder Hardik Pandya will play as a pure batsman this season And looks like that could be the preferred choice for the unitSpeaking to ANI sources in the MI camp said that it has been decided that Hardiks workload would be kept under strict check considering Indias international commitments post the IPLHe is fit and looking after his body really well But considering Indias international calendar after the IPL it was decided that his workload needs to be kept an eye on It has often in the past been debated whether players are made to go that extra mile for their club but we are keeping an eye on the long road ahead that will see India play Australia and then England We should ideally see the next IPL after that and not to forget there is the World T20 next yearA lot of cricket is round the corner and we dont wish to be shortsighted and only look at this season He is an Xfactor for every team that he plays for and can change the momentum of a game with bat and ball across formats the source saidThis is one of the reasons why the otherwise second or third change bowler for MI across seasons is yet to bowl this seasonHardik on his part made it clear before the IPL that physios and trainers decide what he does on the field and whether he pickschooses games and he doesnt get into that aspect In fact being a contracted player his fitness and workload is also constantly monitored by the Indian team management in consultation with the MI support staff when he is playing in the IPLIt is completely dependent on how my body reacts I have not decided anything and right now the number of months I have been out I just want to keep playing sport as much as I can But obviously there are my physios and trainers to take that call Whichever opportunity I get I will go out and play he told ANIMumbai Indians Director of Cricket Operations Zaheer Khan too made it clear before their game against Royal Challengers Bangalore that while Hardik can be a gamechanger with the ball he needs to be handled carefully considering what he brings to the tableHe is someone who really changes the balance of any side when he is bowling He understands that but we have to listen to his body That is something the conversation which we are having in consultation with the physios We are looking forward to seeing him bowl He is very keen and really wanting to bowl We just have to wait and be patient and listen to his body as I said earlier Zaheer said in a virtual prematch conferenceAt the end of the day for any bowler injuries play a huge role We are happy that he is there as a batter with full fitness contributing so that is the exciting partWith the amount of cricket in the offing over the next six months MI have shown that it isnt about club versus country and is more about what is good for a player and the national teamKeep scrolling to read more newsCatch up on all the latest sports news and updates hereAlso download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates MidDay is now on Telegram Click here to join our channel middayinfomedialtd and stay updated with the latest newsThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever