NEW DELHI: All-rounder
Hardik Pandya, who indicated on Friday that he would take his time before resuming bowling at the international level, is working on remodelling his action.
Pandya, who has been plagued by back injuries, had a bowling action which was too side-on. He is now working on adopting a more open chested action to reduce the burden on his back, TOI has learnt. "It's a minor change. He is working on the counter rotation from his hip. He used to exert a lot in the delivery stride and that used to put a lot of stress on his back. This (remodelling) is why it is taking him so long to bowl in matches," sources said.
Pandya said after the first ODI that he is in the "middle of a process" and is expecting to bowl in major tournaments like the World Cups. Pandya was scheduled to play in New Zealand earlier this year but hadn't fully recovered from a back surgery in October. He was then picked for the home series against South Africa in March.
Sources said the selectors were informed that Pandya would be unable to bowl long spells and struggle to generate pace. He was also asked to put on weight. "It was always believed that his physique, his athleticism notwithstanding, was too frail to bear the kind of load that the team management expected him to," sources said. "After he could not travel to New Zealand, he was flown to London to consult his doctor. After that the NCA trainers swung into action and he gained weight and strength."
WHO CAN BE INDIA'S 6TH BOWLING OPTION?India sorely missed a sixth-bowling option in the first ODI. To complicate matters, Hardik Pandya conceded he isn't going to bowl any time soon, meaning India will continue to be without any bowling options in the top-six. TOI takes a look at some other names in the reckoning…
Emergency call:HANUMA VIHARI: Probably the only frontline batsman who can bowl decent off-spinners. His domestic record is pretty decent with the bat. The team management can try him out if things become desperate.
Other prospects:KRUNAL PANDYA: The left-arm spinner has been in good form with both bat and ball for
Mumbai Indians. Can be used as a lower middle order hitter who can chip in with valuable overs.
AXAR PATEL: He has shown great control with his left-arm spin and played nice cameos for Delhi Capitals. Again a lower-order option.
VIJAY SHANKAR: The Tamil Nadu seam bowling all-rounder was identified as a cover for Hardik. Could chip in with a few overs to provide a cushion for the frontlines seamers.
SHIVAM DUBE: The Mumbai all-rounder was next in line after Shankar but hasn't really set the stage on fire. His military medium pace is still a work in progress.