Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return to action will take a bit longer than expected as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and National Cricket Academy (NCA) is not in favour of rushing him. With the T20 World Cup next year in the Caribbean and USA, the Indian cricket board unlikely going to rush Hardik as he is an integral member of the team especially in T20 format.
Hardik’s unfortunate exit from the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 after a ‘freak injury’ against Bangladesh left him devastated. The cricketer from Baroda had to miss the remainder of matches in World Cup including the final. In the case of Hardik, BCCI and NCA has decided to prioritize the long-term goal, refraining from rushing Pandya back for white ball series against South Africa and Afghanistan.
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Considering the upcoming T20 World Cup cycles in 2024 and 2026, the BCCI and NCA implemented an 18-week high-performance program exclusively tailored for Pandya. This comprehensive rehabilitation, distinct from the initial focus on a speedy recovery, includes cardio, strength training, functional training, and rest and recovery. The program aims to ensure his body responds positively to varied approaches.
Pandya, a consistent performer since recovering from a back injury in 2019, led Gujarat Titans to IPL 2022 title and captained India in multiple T20I series in 2022 and 2023. Despite the setback in the World Cup, Hardik remains an integral part in India’s T20 plans going forward. The lanky all-rounder has participated in 38 out of 55 matches the Men in Blue played since June 2022. With 23 appearances in 50 ODIs during the same period, Pandya continues to be a crucial asset in India’s limited-overs setup.