Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes that Hardik Pandya’s recent performances should be enough to motivate him towards regaining full fitness.
Concerns About Fitness
Concerns over Hardik Pandya’s fitness were highlighted as one of the key reasons. Behind his being overlooked for the role of T20I captain for India in favor of Suryakumar Yadav. Although Pandya opted out of the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka for personal reasons. Issues regarding his fitness, particularly his bowling, remain a significant concern for the selectors. With the Champions Trophy on the horizon. Shastri echoes these concerns but believes that the responsibility lies with Pandya. To carve out his future following the T20I captaincy snub.
Hardik’s Role in the Team
Pandya served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during India’s triumphant T20 World Cup campaign last month. He was expected to take over the leadership role in the format after Sharma announced his retirement from T20Is. However, when the BCCI revealed India’s squad for the ongoing Sri Lanka tour earlier this month, Pandya was listed only as a player, with Suryakumar named captain. The all-rounder, who has previously led India in three ODIs and 16 T20 matches in Sharma’s absence over the last two years, also lost his vice-captaincy in both white-ball formats.
Selectors’ Decision
BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, addressing the media last week, stated that India needed a captain who could be consistently available. Consequently, Pandya, with his history of injuries, was not favored for the captaincy role.
Shastri’s Advice to Pandya
Speaking on the latest edition of The ICC Review, Shastri expressed his concerns regarding Pandya’s bowling fitness but offered valuable advice on how the all-rounder can make a comeback and potentially secure a spot in the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy next year.
“I think it’s very important that he continues to play,” Shastri said while talking to host Sanjana Ganesan. “Match fitness is crucial. So whatever T20I cricket is available, he should play as much as possible. If he feels strong and fit, then he can also be part of the one-day game.”
Importance of Bowling Fitness
Shastri emphasized the significance of Pandya’s bowling fitness. “Bowling becomes important. If you have someone who can bowl just three overs in a match where you need to bowl 10 in a one-day game, it affects the balance of the side. If he can consistently bowl eight to ten overs every game and bat as he does, he will play in one-day cricket as well.”
Hardik’s Injury History
Pandya stepped away from Test cricket in 2018 due to a back injury. He recovered without surgery and made the 2019 ODI World Cup squad, but the injury reoccurred later that year, requiring surgery. He returned in 2021 but was part of the T20 World Cup squad only as a batter, which impacted the Indian team’s performance.
Recent Performance and Injuries
More recently, Pandya suffered an ankle injury during India’s fourth game in the ODI World Cup last year, sidelining him until IPL 2024, where he had a lackluster season as the new captain of Mumbai Indians. However, he bounced back impressively in the T20 World Cup last month, delivering a stellar all-round performance, including the final match where he dismissed Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller in the death overs, helping India end their 11-year ICC trophy drought.
Motivation to Return to Full Fitness
Shastri believes that Pandya’s recent performances should be enough to inspire him to return to full fitness. “It’s really up to him,” Shastri added. “He understands his body better than anyone. His performance in the World Cup, especially at critical moments, should motivate him. He shouldn’t need any further encouragement to get his fitness back to the top level.”
By focusing on his fitness and consistently contributing with both bat and ball, Pandya can regain his place in the Indian squad and potentially lead the team in future tournaments.
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