MUMBAI, March 19: Former India pacer Zaheer Khan, a master in injury management during the later part of his playing career, feels that Hardik Pandya�s workload should be monitored since he has had recurring lower back injuries.
In the last six months, Pandya has had two breakdowns with recurring back-injury which ruled him out of the Asia Cup last September and out of the home series against Australia earlier this month.
�When I saw him during Asia Cup, I was very concerned with kind of signs I saw on the field. But when I spoke to him (Hardik), I found out it�s not a problem which he has faced for the first time. That�s something which should be worked on because three or four years ago he had a similar kind of issue with the back,� Zaheer, who is Mumbai Indians� Director of Cricket, said during a media conference.
Zaheer has observed that Hardik�s injury is about the impact on the follow-through which has caused him problems.
�It is related to what he feels when he is getting off through the crease (on follow through). It has a certain kind of impact which he�s been working on. For a fast bowler, the kind of injury he had in Asia Cup is not easy.�
Zaheer made it clear that Pandya is one player whose workload needs to be monitored carefully and MI support staff is keeping a close watch on his fitness.
�He has to be monitored. He�s in consultation with the team of support staff. Everything is under control. So far he has done couple of bowling sessions. He�s going to progress in that fashion.�
Zaheer, who is now the director of cricket operations of three-time IPL title winners Mumbai Indians, was also candid in saying that the pace bowling all rounder�s work load needs to be monitored closely by the IPL franchise.
�He is on track. Sometimes distraction will help to get back on track. He wants to go out and make the numbers talk and let everyone know his priority is cricket. He has always been serious and passionate about cricket,� said Zaheer. � PTI
