Hardik Pandya hasn't played international cricket since T20 World Cup last year.
The T20 World Cup 2021 debacle has fueled motivation in Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who hasn’t been a part of any competitive games since November. Hardik, who has been struggling with his form and fitness, is looking forward to a comeback in IPL 2022 as he is ready for the challenges ahead of him.
Hardik was the first pick of the newly formed Ahmedabad franchise and will be making his captaincy debut in IPL 2022. Hardik is taking his time to work on his fitness, ensuring he is back with a bang and wants to use all his energy into winning a World Cup for India.
Speaking to Economic Times, the 28-year-old said, "Yes, that’s the plan. My main aim is to be at my peak when the World Cup happens.
“All my training, planning, preparation is keeping the World Cup in mind. I want to win the World Cup for the country. It will make me really happy and proud. It is like an obsession with me. IPL will give me a very good preparatory platform for the World Cup but all the hard work ultimately is for the Indian team and the World Cup,” Hardik added.
Hardik wasn’t considered in the Indian squad for the West Indies series as he still works on getting fit to bowl his full quota of overs. Hardik isn’t rushing himself this time as he wants to be back as an all-rounder.
“I have always rushed myself with my preparation keeping the team’s interest in mind. But this time I wanted some time off to prepare myself physically and mentally. I also wanted to take some time off for my family. We have spent a lot of time in bio bubbles, though everyone has tried to make us feel comfortable, staying in a bio bubble is very tough," he further said.