Hardik has spent considerable time at the COE over the last six months.
India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya has shifted base to Bengaluru to use the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) as his primary training hub, news agency PTI reported on Tuesday (June 30).
This is an unprecedented move for a centrally-contracted Indian cricketer, who traditionally visit the facility only for rehab or fitness camps.
While Pandya originally hails from Baroda in Gujarat, his professional cricket commitments kept him tied to Mumbai over the last decade as he mainly trained at his IPL franchise Mumbai Indians' (MI) facility in Ghansoli.
The 32-year-old is currently working to heal a quadriceps injury, which ruled him out of the upcoming white-ball tour of UK. He has spent considerable time at the COE over the last six months.
"Hardik has already permanently shifted to Bengaluru. He has rented a property on the outskirts of the city, close to the COE. He will be the first Indian cricketer to make the COE his permanent training base for the remainder of his career," a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
"Hardik wanted to move out of Mumbai as commuting every day from his Lower Parel residence for training had become a problem. As a centrally-contracted cricketer, he has access to every facility at the COE, from injury management to skills training.
"Hence, he took the decision to make the COE his permanent base whenever he is not on IPL, state or national duty," the source said.
Beyond the world-class facilities at the COE, Hardik has reportedly hired a personal physiotherapist and a strength and conditioning coach to supplement his routines.
"It is like shifting his base to Bengaluru as long as he plays white-ball cricket for India, and he intends to play for at least another five to six years.
"Even when he does skill work, such as batting against net bowlers hired by the COE, Hardik pays them from his own pocket," the source added.
As far as Hardik Pandya’s return to competitive action is concerned, it is understood that his rehabilitation is still ongoing. He had reportedly taken a few days' break for personal work and is expected to check into the COE in a day or two.
His participation in the upcoming Zimbabwe T20Is depends on clearing medical tests. However, it is not clear whether Hardik will be picked for the three-match series even if he is declared fit.
(With PTI Inputs)