Morne Morkel Expresses Displeasure with Hardik Pandya's Bowling Approach in Nets, Holds Intense Discussion with All-rounder Ahead of 1st T20I

Team India will be back in action in the shortest format of the game this Sunday as they gear up to take on Bangladesh in a thrilling three-match T20I series. After a dominant performance in the recent series, where they secured a clean sweep against Bangladesh, fans and experts are eagerly awaiting their performance in the upcoming T20Is. All eyes will be on some of the key Indian players who were not part of the Test squad, including captain Suryakumar Yadav and star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. Yadav, known for his explosive batting in the T20 format, has been a crucial player for the team in recent months. Meanwhile, Pandya will also make his highly anticipated return to the international arena, adding depth and experience to the Indian lineup. With the stage set for an exciting clash between India and Bangladesh, cricket enthusiasts are looking forward to witnessing some thrilling T20 action from the talented Indian side.

Hardik was recently seen practising with a red ball, which sparked speculations on his potential return to the format. However, India's former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel claimed that the white ball was unavailable, which forced the all-rounder to bowl with the red ball.

Hardik took part in India's training session ahead of the first T20I in Gwalior and, according to a report from the Indian Express, had an intense outing under the watchful eyes of bowling coach Morne Morkel. The report states that Morkel was also ‘unhappy’ at Hardik bowling largely closer to the stumps and was constantly in the all-rounder's ears after every delivery.

Morkel seemed to have a chat about Hardik's release point, and the all-rounder took the feedback sportingly, following which Morkel moved to the other bowlers in the net session.

Hardik, like Suryakumar, is primarily a part of the T20I setup. While the all-rounder was also an ODI regular for the side, he didn't find a place in the squad for the three-match fifty-over series against Sri Lanka in August earlier this year. There were suggestions that Hardik has been asked to take part in the Vijay Hazare Trophy to prove his fitness for the ODI format.

The all-rounder last played an ODI during the World Cup at home last year; he faced an injury while fielding off his own bowling during the group stage match against Bangladesh, which eventually ruled him out of the tournament.

Following the T20Is against Bangladesh, India will return to the longest format when New Zealand tour the country for a three-match series. The Tests will take place in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai, respectively.

The series will see the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom have retired from T20Is.