IND vs SL ODI: Promoted to vice-captaincy, Hardik Pandya is set to return to ODI format after 6 months. While he mostly played in T20s to keep him fresh for T20 World Cup, the focus now shifts to ODIs. However, that will be the most challenging aspect for Hardik who has had a history of fitness issues. Beginning with the ODI series against SriLanka, India will play nearly 30 ODIs to prepare for World Cup 2023. Pandya’s fitness will be crucial for team India. Follow India vs SriLanka LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
As Pandya is a powerful batsman and a capable bowler, he brings a lot of value to the Indian team. He will be looking to win the home ODI series against Sri Lanka in the World Cup year. Considering he is the new vice-captain, he will also not be able to miss many ODIs.
IND vs SL ODI: New Vice-captain Hardik Pandya returns to ODIs after 6 months, fitness put to test in World Cup year – Check out
IND vs SL ODI: New Vice-captain Hardik Pandya returns to ODIs after 6 months, fitness put to test in World Cup year – Check out
Why Hardik Pandya’s small niggles could be a concern?
- Hardik did not look comfortable while bowling in the 1st T20.
- He was seen clutching his back after bowling the third over on the trot.
- Soon, he was in terrible pain while trying to take a catch.
- He left the field to get treatment. But he returned to the field.
- However, Hardik hasn’t bowled his full quota of overs even in T20s.
- With Hardik expected to bowl 7-10 overs in ODIs, his fitness is top priority.
- Hardik also returns to play the longer 50-over format after 6 months.
- The last time he played an ODI was back in England.
Hardik Pandya Injury: Pandya had a small injury in the 1st T20I match against Sri Lanka. He did not look comfortable while bowling his third over. Pandya constantly tried to touch his back and it looked like something had been bothering him. The Indian vice-captain brought back the memories of his horrible back injuries.
However, Hardik later alleviated the fears, saying it was just a cramp. But the BCCI medical team will closely monitor the all-rounder as he is crucial to India’s plans.
“Now I have a tendency to scare people but if I am smiling then everything is fine. I did not sleep well, did not drink enough water and hence the glutes were stiff,” Hardik Pandya said after the match.
Hardik Pandya has recently been struggling to bowl his full quota of overs in T20 matches. This is a cause for concern as he is expected to bowl at least 10 overs in ODI matches. If he is not fit enough to bowl his full quota of overs in T20s, it is likely to be even more difficult for him in ODIs.
He needs to work on his fitness and improve his endurance so that he can contribute more effectively to the team in the future.
In the past, All-rounder Hardik Pandya underwent back surgery in the United Kingdom in October 2019. The surgery was carried out after Hardik complained of back issues. Earlier, Hardik Pandya suffered a nasty lower-back injury in 2018. In India’s Group A match against Pakistan in the 2018 Asia Cup, Hardik had to be stretchered off the field after the injury. Hardik was ruled out of the Asia Cup.
IND vs SL ODI: New Vice-captain Hardik Pandya returns to ODIs after 6 months, fitness put to test in World Cup year – Check out
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