Ahead of the IPL 2022 season, Gujarat Titans (GT) skipper Hardik Pandya has said that he is still a "work in progress" and is focussing on the "controllables".
Pandya has been in and out of the Indian team due to fitness issues lately. After going through back surgery in 2019, he has struggled to bowl his full quota of overs regularly. He was last seen in action during the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, wherein he bowled only four overs and failed to claim a wicket.
It remains to be seen whether the all-rounder gets clearance to bowl full tilt in the upcoming IPL.
"I was just spending time with family, working hard as always. (I'm) making sure I prepare well. For me, it was a time of self-realising a lot, think about what I want and what will work for me going forward; and I got the answers during this time,” Hardik said in a video posted on the IPL website.
Hardik Pandya was roped in by Gujarat Titans for INR 15 crore in the pre-auction draft and was appointed of the franchise making its debut in the cash-rich tournament.
"I don't think it is going to be my comeback or I am focusing on it. For me, right now I just want to be in a positive mindset and I'm not looking way ahead. I am just focussing on things that are the controllables, which is looking after my body and making my team win," he said.
"Eventually, if I do things right for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, then things will fall into places for future as well. I am just a work in progress right now but for me what will be important is that I will always be available for the players no matter what time and day. I want to give the players security and freedom."
Recently, Pandya underwent a fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru and came out with flying colours. He reportedly bowled and also passed the 'Yo-Yo' Test comfortably.
"I am looking forward to this IPL because I have been away from the sport for quite a long time. For me it is very exciting. I will get to see where exactly I am after three months of hard work that I have put in behind the closed doors," he said.
"Result doesn't matter because I have learnt hard work doesn't guarantee you success but right process will eventually get you success."
Gujarat Titans will open their IPL 2022 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants on March 28.
"I'm quite happy with the team. It is a new team and to be honest, we are not here to prove anyone anything. We are here to play good cricket.
"We are here to make sure that the environment is right for the players to flourish in their own capacity. There's no expectation as such. We are going to be a team that makes sure it keeps improving."
(With PTI inputs)
