The India tour of South Africa isn’t confirmed due to the ongoing pandemic but it’s assured that Hardik Pandya won’t be a part of the squad. The all-rounder has requested BCCI to give him a break so that he can concentrate on his fitness and his performance as an all-rounder.
A BCCI official in his statement told “Yes, he has requested for some time off and not to consider him for selection. He will undergo recovery and follow BCCI and NCA’s rehabilitation protocol for the back injury. I can’t say when he will return. We are hopeful that he will be available for the West Indies series. But at this time, it’s difficult to say.”
BCCI had instructed Hardik Pandya to report to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore and pass the fitness test so that he can be eligible for the South Africa tour. Hardik Pandya however chose to work on his fitness and continue with the progress with his back injury.
For the moment, he will be taking some off time for himself and recover at home prior joining NCA’s rehabilitation course. An official added that it is crucial that Hardik Pandya returns as an all-rounder not only aas a batter in the T20 World Cup 2022.
As per reports, a BCCI official in his statement told “His recovery from injury will mainly depend on rest. He should be visiting the NCA soon and we will take a call on his inclusion in South Africa tour depending on his fitness,”
Just like English Player ben Stokes and Australian player Tim Paine went on indefinite break, Hardik Pandya joined the tribe. The only difference is that those two players took break for other reasons but Pandya’s break is purely to get back his best fitness form.
Venkatesh Iyer is going to be the substitute player for Hardik Pandya. Several reports even suggest that Hardik Pandya’has narrow chances of being retained by Mumbai Indians(MI) franchise.
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