Pandya is currently part of India’s white-ball squad for the series in West Indies.
He had a two-month break after the conclusion of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on May 29. During this time, he took a month off to switch off mentally and then underwent a rigorous three-week physical conditioning program at the National Cricket Academy, focusing on both skill development and fitness.
Before the series, he had communicated to the team management his eagerness to play, provided he could also contribute with the ball.
In the IPL 2023, Pandya bowled 25 overs in 16 matches for Gujarat Titans, who were the runners-up. During the two ODIs in the Windies, he bowled a total of 9.4 overs. In the first match, he opened the bowling and bowled three overs, as only 45.5 overs were possible due to rain. In the second match, he bowled 6.4 overs but remained wicketless as West Indies won the game to level the series.
Pandya took charge as captain in the absence of Rohit Sharma in the second ODI. He mentioned how he is gradually increasing his bowling workload with the upcoming World Cup in mind. After the series against the Windies, his next 50-over assignment is likely to be the Asia Cup, scheduled to begin from August 30. In the meantime, he will lead India in the T20I series against West Indies, starting from August 3.
Pandya’s commitment to improving his bowling and managing his workload shows his dedication to contributing effectively in both facets of the game. As India prepares to host the Cricket World Cup in 2023, his form and fitness will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s success on home soil.
“My body is fine. I have to bowl more overs and get my workload up for the World Cup. I am a turtle right now, not a rabbit and hoping everything goes right as the World Cup comes on,” said Pandya, ahead of the final ODI on Tuesday in Tarouba, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo.
On Sunday, head coach Rahul Dravid highlighted the need to look at the bigger picture instead of focusing and getting influenced by short-term results. During this series, India has given a lot of opportunities to players who are not so frequently present in the playing eleven in the absence of regulars like KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Shami, Shreyas Iyer, Jasprit Bumrah etc who are either recovering from injuries or in Shami’s case, are rested.
Hardik is excited about the series decider, which will take place on Tuesday.
“To be honest, you want to be going 1-1 to the third game as it will be more challenging and exciting. They will be tested; we will be tested now that the series stands 1-1. The next game will be exciting for the viewers as well as the players,” he said.
With the bat, Hardik has not been able to be at his best. In the first match, he came at number four, he could score just five runs. In the second, he got just seven runs. He was the part of India’s batting collapse that ended with them being bundled out for 181, a score which Windies chased down.
“We didn’t bat the way we were supposed to. The wicket was better than it was in the first game. Everyone barring Shubman (Gill) hit fielders and got out. Disappointing, but there are many things to learn,” he concluded.
(With ANI inputs)
