• Source:JND
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IPL 2024: Hardik Pandya had a disappointing start to his captaincy stint at Mumbai Indians, having lost the first three matches of the IPL 2024 but took a sigh of relief after they won their previous two matches.

Hardik, who was seen bowling in only the first two matches, seems to be hiding something when it comes to his fitness according to former New Zealand fast bowler Simon Doull.

Notably, the MI skipper refrained from bowling a single delivery in the next two encounters but bowled just one over in their last match against RCB, conceding 13 runs.

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Doull said that there is something wrong with Hardik's fitness and mentioned his 'gut feeling' of claiming that the all-rounder might be suffering from any injury.

“You go out and make a statement by opening the bowling in game no. 1, and suddenly, you are not required. He's injured. I'm telling you there is something wrong with him. He is not admitting it. But there is something wrong with him for sure. That is my gut feeling,” Doull said on Cricbuzz.

On being asked about not bowling during the match against Delhi Capitals, Hardik said that he will be bowling in the tournament at the right time.

“All good will be bowling at the right time. Had it covered, so didn't need to roll my arm over," Hardik said.

Notably, Hardik headed into the tournament after recovering from an injury that kept him away from action for a few months.

He picked up an ankle injury during the Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh.

In December last year, he was bought by MI from Gujarat Titans ahead of the IPL 2024 and was named their new captain, replacing Rohit Sharma for the role.

Hardik's potential fitness problems can cause a new headache for the Indian team selectors considering the player's importance with the T20 World Cup approaching.

The five-time champions MI will be up against their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in their next match at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 14.