Former India head coach Ravi Shastri wants Hardik Pandya to play as many matches as he can. His advice comes after Hardik Pandya was snubbed as the T20I captain, with the selectors citing the all-rounder’s fitness as the reason for the removal. Shastri asked Hardik to continue playing matches and emphasised that match fitness was of utmost importance.
Shastri wants Hardik Pandya to play as many matches as he can
Shastri asked Hardik Pandya to work his way into bowling eight to ten overs consistently in the game, noting that he would then be a sure inclusion in the ODI squad, given his form with the bat is already good to go with.
“I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well,” Shastri told Sanjana Ganesan.
‘Really up to him’
Shastri further opined that Hardik Pandya needed no motivation for fitness and that it was all up to him. The ex-coach reckons that the all-rounder’s recent performances, including the T20 World Cup win, will be of inspiration for Pandya.
“He understands his body better than anyone. And I’m sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should really get him going,” Shastri added.
Why Hardik Pandya was replaced as captain?
Ahead of the team’s departure to Sri Lanka, chief selector Agarkar explained how India needs a captain who can be available for most of the time. And that is not the case with Hardik Pandya.
“He (SKY) is the deserving candidate. He is one of the best players. Hardik is still an important player for us. We want him to be a very important player for us. Fitness is an important factor which has been an issue for him. The fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone to be available throughout,” Ajit Agarkar said.
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