I don't think we will see him as a bowler again: Daniel Vettori on Pandya

Gujarat Titans (GT) have become a formidable force in the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Hardik Pandya-led side has maintained its position in the top four throughout the tournament, and its skipper has been the prime reason for it.

Pandya has been Gujarat's top run-getter in the ongoing season, with the 28-year-old batting in the top order and scoring as many as 295 runs in just six matches.

Although the swashbuckling all-rounder has bowled 18.3 overs despite the injury woes before the tournament, a groin issue hit him in the match against Rajasthan Royals. It again played a spoilsport amidst his return to full fitness.

While Pandya took only a one-game break, he was not seen bowling in GT's last fixture. However, as the debate around his fitness has again picked up the heat, many pundits gave their personal views.

Former New Zealand cricketer Daniel Vettori also opined and reckoned that Pandya might never bowl again in IPL 2022, considering the Gujarat-based franchise already has enough quality options.

"I don't think we will see him as a bowler again (in the IPL). I think he is just too important as a batter and as a captain. And the concern about him missing games for the sake of one or two overs... I think they have selected a team now to not worry about his bowling," the ex-RCB coach said, as quoted to ESPNcricinfo.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri stated that Hardik has massively contributed for GT with the bat, but the team management should still be a little anxious about his fitness.

"They have relied a lot on Hardik and not for his bowling but for his batting. If you are in Gujarat Titans team dressing room, you would be a little worried about that," the World Cup winner asserted.

Meanwhile, Gujarat Titans are sitting at the second spot on the points table and are scheduled to lock horns with the third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 27 at Wankhede Stadium.