“I don’t see any T20 team in the world, where Hardik Pandya doesn’t fit as a pure batsman.” – Gujarat Titans, coach Ashish Nehra

Hardik Pandya’s bowling fitness has been a talking point over the last couple of years for the Indian fans and continues to be. His bowling has been a concern for the national team as well.

The right-hander has not bowled in the last two seasons of IPL due to the back injury that he picked in the last Asia cup. He rarely bowled in T20 World Cup 2021, UAE.

The all-rounder will lead the new Gujarat-based franchise in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Ashish Nehra, the former Indian pacer will be Gujarat Titans’ head coach.

While speaking to India Today, The head coach of Gujarat Titans Ashish Nehra made some statements on Hardik Pandya’s role in the team. (Gujarat Titans)

Ashish Nehra’s statements on Hardik Pandya

Nehra said “If he bowls, it’s great. But to be very honest, we are more than happy to have Hardik Pandya as a pure batsman. I don’t see any T20 team in the world, not talking just about the IPL, where Hardik doesn’t fit as a batsman. Whatever number he bats, be it 4 or 5 or 6.”

 The head coach also added “Yes, there is always speculation around his bowling. If he can bowl for Gujarat Titans, that will be great. But yes, if he is only batting fit, I will be happy with Hardik Pandya.”

Nehra, the head coach of Gujarat Titans indicated that the franchise is more than happy even if the all-rounder does not bowl and plays as a pure batsman in the 11.

However, Aashish Kapoor, the spin bowling coach of Gujarat Titans indicated that the all-rounder will be able to bowl in the upcoming edition of IPL in his recent interview.

Here’s what the spin bowling coach of Gujarat Titans said

Kapoor said “Hardik has also started to bowl that’s what he has told Nehra. He has started to bowl, he is bowling well and batting he has no problems in any case because mainly we want to know whether he can bowl for us like how in the Indian team.”

The Spin bowling coach also said “So, Nehra has been in constant touch with him from the time we have retained him and Nehra has been talking to him. He has also spoken about how to arrange and where to arrange practice sessions for him and get those things done,”

Not just the Gujarat-based franchise, even the Indian team management will be hoping that the all-rounder starts bowling regularly. The Baroda-born all-rounder will be crucial for India’s success in an upcoming edition of the T20 World Cup. (2022)