Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is on a voluntary break from cricket, having last been seen in action for the Men in Blue in last year’s ICC T20 World Cup 2021 in the UAE.
He was then not retained by his Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Mumbai Indians (MI), for the IPL 2022 due to his failure to bowl at his full capacity because of his long-term back injury issue.
However, ahead of the IPL mega auction in 2022, Pandya managed to attract a new IPL franchise, Ahmedabad, with the side appointing him to captain ahead of the next season. Pandya is currently working hard to get into full fitness in order to bowl his full quota of overs in limited over cricket.
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Well, Pandya doesn’t seem bothered with the recent overlooking, as the all-rounder said that he always believes in hard work and will continue to do the same without making noise. The 28-year-old further stressed that he is trying hard to regain his full fitness with an eye on the ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
Pandya told Economic Times: “I have always pushed 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.”
On his inability to bowl at his full capacity due to a back injury, the all-rounder said that he is trying his best to return with the ball and is currently enjoying some off time with the family.
He signed off by saying, “You spend a lot of time away from your family and that eventually takes a toll on you. I wanted time off to reflect on myself understand which areas I need to work on and concentrate on improving those things. I am doing two sessions every day. I have always worked hard in silence and will continue to do so.”
(With IANS Inputs)
