Out-of-favour India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has decided not to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021, starting December 8.
This move comes as Hardik is currently going through an extensive rehabilitation programme in order to regain his bowling fitness.
The 28-year-old hasn't been bowling regularly after going through back surgery in late 2019. During the recently held T20 World Cup, Pandya bowled only four overs and he failed to claim a wicket. As a result, he was dropped from the three-match T20I series against New Zealand at home.
“The Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) had sent an e-mail to Hardik enquiring about his availability for the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He has rarely played for Baroda in last three years. However he gave a one-line reply that he is currently doing rehab in Mumbai,” a senior official privy to developments in BCA told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Asked if he is carrying any injury at the moment, the official said: “Even the BCA doesn’t know. It is understood that he is trying to do some strength and conditioning module for his back which is no longer in best of shape post surgery in 2019.”
The official also informed that Hardik won’t be considered for selection in the national side unless he plays in domestic tournaments.
“The current national selection committee has told all the players that all those who are not in the India squad should go back and play domestic cricket — Hazare and Ranji Trophy,” the source said.
Hardik Pandya is reportedly not keen on playing Test cricket anymore in order to prolong his white-ball career and for that, he needs to start bowling regularly.
While Pandya is undergoing rehab in Mumbai, he would ultimately need to go to the NCA in Bangalore and prove his fitness in front of the coaches before being considered for selection.
As per the report, Hardik will not travel with the Indian team for the upcoming South Arica tour if he doesn’t bowl. After finishing the Test series, India will be playing three ODIs in South Africa, starting January 19.
During the T20I series against New Zealand, Venkatesh Iyer impressed one and all with his all-round exploits and he seems the likely candidate to travel to South Africa.
(With PTI inputs)
