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The exclusion of Hardik Pandya from India's ODI squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka series has sparked discussions about his fitness and future in the team. While personal reasons were cited for his absence, concerns about his bowling fitness remain a significant factor, particularly with the Champions Trophy approaching next year. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, in a recent interview, acknowledged these concerns but also provided valuable advice for Pandya's path to a potential ODI comeback.
Pandya, who had served as Rohit Sharma's deputy in the T20 World Cup, was considered a frontrunner to assume the captaincy in the format following Sharma's retirement. However, the BCCI opted for Suryakumar Yadav as the new captain, citing the need for a consistently available leader. Pandya's history of injuries, especially those impacting his bowling, played a significant role in this decision. Shastri, while expressing concern about Pandya's bowling fitness, emphasized the importance of match fitness for the all-rounder's return to the ODI squad. He stressed that Pandya needs to focus on playing as much T20 cricket as possible to maintain his fitness and regain the ability to bowl consistently in the longer format. He highlighted that Pandya's bowling is crucial for the balance of the ODI team, and being able to deliver eight to ten overs in a match will be critical for his inclusion.
Pandya's injury history dates back to 2018, when a back injury forced him to step away from Test cricket. Despite recovering without surgery, the injury resurfaced in 2019, leading to surgery and a period of rehabilitation. Although he returned in 2021, his bowling ability was hampered, and he was primarily utilized as a batter in the T20 World Cup. In the recent ODI World Cup, an ankle injury further sidelined Pandya for an extended period. He returned to action in IPL 2024 but had a relatively disappointing season as the new captain of Mumbai Indians. However, he rebounded strongly in the T20 World Cup, showcasing impressive all-round performance, including a crucial contribution in the final match. Shastri believes these recent performances should motivate Pandya to focus on regaining full fitness. He suggests that Pandya's strong show in the World Cup should inspire him to prioritize his fitness and return to peak condition.