Ravi Shastri, former India head coach, has defined Hardik Pandya’s future route following his T20I captaincy demotion.
Hardik Pandya, who served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy in India’s successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, was one of the front-runners to take over the captaincy once Rohit departed from the format.
However, when the squad for the current Sri Lanka tour was revealed, Hardik was merely mentioned as a player, while Suryakumar Yadav was chosen India’s T20I captain.Hardik Pandya, who served as Rohit Sharma’s deputy in India’s successful ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign, was one of the front-runners to take over the captaincy once Rohit departed from the format.
However, when the squad for the current Sri Lanka tour was revealed, Hardik was merely mentioned as a player, while Suryakumar Yadav was chosen India’s T20I captain.
“I believe that match fitness is extremely crucial. So, he should play as much T20I cricket as possible. If he feels strong and fit, he will undoubtedly be included in the one-day squad.
“But, then again, the bowling is crucial. If someone comes in and bowls only three overs when you need to bowl ten in a one-day game, the team’s balance suffers.
“If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he’ll play in one-day cricket as well.””However, bowling becomes vital. If someone comes in and bowls three overs when you need to bowl ten in a one-day game, the side’s balance suffers.
“If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he’ll play in one-day cricket as well.”Hardik has been battling major injuries since 2018.
During India’s high-voltage Asia Cup match against Pakistan in Dubai that year, Pandya slumped after bowling, holding his back in anguish, and had to be stretchered off the field. The diagnosis was a stress fracture, which required surgery and prolonged therapy.
Pandya elected not to have surgery and recovered in time for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. However, his back problems returned later that year, necessitating surgery.
Hardik has suffered from significant injuries since 2018.
During India’s high-voltage Asia Cup match against Pakistan in Dubai that year, Pandya fell after bowling, gripping his back in anguish and having to be stretchered off the field. A stress fracture was diagnosed, necessitating surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Pandya elected not to have surgery and was able to recuperate in time for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019. However, his back problems reappeared later that year, necessitating surgery.
