IPL 2022 | I told him, he was going to get injured due to his physique - Akhtar on Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya did not play in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 match against Chennai Super Kings at MCA Stadium in Pune on April 17. According to stand-in GT skipper Rashid Khan, Hardik has groin issues, and the team management didn't want to take a risk. However, it must be recalled that the all-rounder has missed multiple games due to injury in recent years.

Hardik Pandya has been one of the standout performers in the Indian Premier League 2022. He is the main reason for the majority of his team's runs. In five games, he has scored 228 runs. In addition to his batting, the right-arm bowler has been starting the bowling for his team, and he is taking wickets. He's also one of the best fielders in the outfield for his side this season.

"I met Pandya in the UAE and warned him about his lean physique. In Dubai, I told Bumrah and Hardik Pandya. I still have strong back muscles behind my shoulders, but they look so lean. I was shocked. I warned him that he would get injured, but he told me that he had been playing a lot of cricket. He was injured exactly one hour and a half later," he said. It happened during the Asia Cup encounter against Pakistan. 

Shoaib believes that if Hardik manages his fitness well, he can grow into Indian cricket's "biggest brand." He also suggested that the all-rounder may become India's T20I captain in the future, based on his IPL leadership abilities. 'Hardik Pandya has the potential to become India's most recognisable cricketer. "He wants to be known as one of India's top cricketers," Akhtar remarked.

Gujarat Titans were unaffected by Hardik's absence, and they won against CSK by three wickets in a thrilling match to maintain their position in the team standings. However, the management is concerned about Hardik's fitness, and it will be exciting to watch when the all-rounder returns.