MI hopeful of Hardik Pandya being fit for RCB clash: Zaheer Khan

Mumbai Indians' (MI) director of cricket operations Zaheer Khan said that all-rounder Hardik Pandya has started practice and is hopeful that he will take field for their next clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on Sunday (September 26) in Dubai.

"Well, we have a practice session lined up today and we will see how it goes and then we will take a call. He has started practicing, that is what I can share with you guys, we hope that he will be fit and fine available for the clash against RCB," Zaheer said during a virtual pre-match press conference.

This after MI bowling coach had earlier said that the franchise is balancing its need along with that of the Indian team and ensuring that there is not much workload on players ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Speaking of Kieron Pollard, Zaheer said that the West Indies all-rounder is happy to take the extra responsibility in the middle-order. "He is that kind of a player and he wants to take that responsibility. The power he brings in the matches, is the game-changing ability he brings to the table. I do not want to get into how the games have gone, it is about looking ahead," the former India fast bowler said. 

"So, we have to accept what has happened and then look ahead, the focus is on how we can bring out the best in us in the remaining games," he added.

MI are currently in sixth place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 table with eight points from nine matches so far.