Colombo, July 6: Hardik Pandya bowling during an intra-squad game is a “good sign”, feels dashing India batsman Suryakumar Yadav, who believes that the bowler and the team management would take a call on his workload during the upcoming limited-overs series against Sri Lanka from July 13.
Pandya’s bowling has been an issue since he underwent a back surgery in 2019 and since then has bowled sporadically, which has led to his non-selection in Test format.
Yadav also said that not only in intra-squad game but the colourful Baroda all-rounder is also bowling in the nets.
“He (Hardik) did bowl in the England series. During the IPL, he did not bowl. He bowled in the intra-squad game and he bowled in the nets. So, it is his and the team management’s call on how they want to go about it, but yes, he is bowling. That’s a very good sign,” Yadav said during an online media interaction.
He also didn’t pay much heed to World Cup winning captain Arjuna Ranatunga’s comments about India sending a second string team as Virat Kohli and the first team stars are in England for the Test series.
Talking about positives, this is the first time that Yadav would be working with Rahul Dravid.
“I think this is my first tour with him (Dravid) but I have heard a lot from many players that he is very calm and composed when it comes to this role,” said the 30-year-old.
The high of a successful debut series behind him, Yadav said he would be looking to “start from the scratch”.
Yadav made his India debut in the T20 format during the home series against England, in which he scored a half century and was generally impressive.
Asked if a successful debut series would help him cope better with the pressure, Yadav said, “I think, that (debut series against England) was a completely different challenge and every-time you come, I mean for a batter, every-time you go in or play a different game, you start from scratch.”
The Mumbai player also said that his job with the national side is the same as it is for his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians.
“I have been enjoying that role really well in whatever position they send me to bat, I will be the same. I just go out and express the same way on how I do in every game and I really enjoy it,” he added.
Yadav also bushed aside suggestions that adapting to the conditions would be a challenge here.
According to Yadav, the team atmosphere is very relaxed. (PTI)
