All-rounder Hardik Pandya to undergo intense rehab, opts out of Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Indian colourful all-rounder Hardik Pandya has made himself unavailable for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, starting December 8. Pandya wants to focus on regaining his prime fitness once again and is currently undergoing extensive rehabilitation in Mumbai.
Hardik Pandya sustained a shoulder injury back in 2019 and since then he has been constantly troubled by some niggles. He hasn’t gained a comprehensive fitness and owing to which his value in the market has taken a dip.
For the last two years, the all-rounder is competing in international cricket and in franchise cricket as a genuine batter. He was reported to return to his bowling roles following the surgery in 2019, however, that never happened until now.
In the recent ICC T20 World Cup 2021, he was unable to deliver his bowling spells for which he was centred by criticism all across social media. Several bashed the cricketer and the BCCI selectors for having a lack of communication on the fitness of the player.
“The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) had sent an e-mail to Hardik enquiring about his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has rarely played for Baroda in the last three years. However, he gave a one-line reply that he is currently doing rehab in Mumbai,” a senior official privy to developments in BCA told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
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“Even the BCA doesn’t know. It is understood that he is trying to do some strength and conditioning module for his back which is no longer in best of shape post-surgery in 2019,” said the official when enquired about the nature of the injury and the seriousness of it.
Hardik lost his place in the Indian test squad due to the injury and his inability to bowl. It seems like the all-rounder has also lost his place in the limited-overs squads as well post the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
Adding to the woes, Hardik has also lost his place in his IPL Franchise Mumbai Indians. MI has retained four players for the coming season of the IPL and Hardik is not named in that list.
Experts believe that Hardik will have to play the domestic circuit after becoming fit in order to come to the Indian side.
Though it can be said that Hardik can fetch his place in the Indian team easily as India hasn’t found a suitable replacement for the all-rounder until now.
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