Mumbai Indians know it well that Hardik Pandya bowling regularly make them even a more complete side. But a shoulder niggle the all-rounder had picked up during the third and final ODI versus England in Pune, has kept him away from bowling in Mumbai Indians’ last three matches.

The defending champions next face last year’s runners-up Delhi Capitals in what would be another crucial game at the Chepauk on Tuesday. Both teams are on four points each from three matches and the team that wins this contest will be on a par with toppers Royal Challengers Bangalore (on six points).

The importance of this game can certainly be gauged, but Mumbai Indians don’t want to risk Hardik with the ball. “We were looking forward to Hardik bowling this season. He was coming back from an injury already, but after those matches against England — the last ODI — I believe he picked up a niggle, so that is something we are dealing with at the moment,” head coach Mahela Jayawardene said on the match eve.

“We don’t want to risk it, because it is important that we make sure he is in a position to comfortably come in and bowl. So hopefully in the next few weeks, with a bit of work, we might see him bowling.

“It is not that we are deliberately trying not to bowl him. As soon as he is comfortable, we should be able to use that asset as well.

“Since he has a shoulder niggle, we kept him inside 30 yards and he has proved the value of that by effecting a few run-outs, because he is agile,” Jayawardene added.

The Chepauk wickets have been challenging, being on the slower side, insisted Jayawardene. “They are good, competitive wickets and adapting to challenges is always the key for any batsmen or any team.”

The Capitals, on their part, understand they do need to play with a positive mindset against Mumbai Indians. “They have played three games in Chennai, so they know the conditions there.

“For us, the challenge will be to switch on mentally according to the wicket and go ahead with our plan,” said Shikhar Dhawan.