Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya said that despite not being fit and picked as a batter only, he pushed himself to bowl in the T20 World Cup 2021.
Hardik Pandya's inability to bowl was one of the major concerns for Team India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. The all-rounder despite not being 100% fit, was selected in the Indian squad for the tournament and didn’t bowl a single over in the two warmup games and the first match against Pakistan.
Pandya, however, chipped in with the ball in the next few games but his performance wasn’t up to the mark. His selection in the marquee tournament also invited a lot of criticism as many were of the opinion that an unfit cricketer shouldn't find a place in the team.
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In an interaction with veteran journalist Boria Majumdar on Backstage with Boria, Hardik Pandya said that he was getting a vibe that a lot of things came to him. But he wasn’t in the position to take everything that was thrown at him as he was selected as a batter in the team.
He revealed that he worked really hard to bowl in the first game but he was not able to and injury in that game worsened the case for him. And he also felt pressure of criticisms related to the sixth-bowling option, not bowling.
"I was kind of getting the sense or vibe that a lot of things came on me. Obviously that is fine. I play the sport, I get the...but the position in which we were and when I went, I felt everything was kept on me, everything was thrown at me. I didn't bowl, yes, but I was selected in the team as a batsman.
“I worked really hard to bowl in the first game, which obviously I was not able to. I got hit the first game and in the second game when I pulled, I wasn't supposed to go. I pushed for my team but eventually setbacks as you said things happen,"
Hardik Pandya further said that he wants to play as an all-rounder and his preparations are also about the same. He revealed that he’s feeling good and strong.
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“I want to play as an all-rounder. If something goes bad, then I don’t know but my preparations are all about playing as an all-rounder. I am feeling good, feeling strong and eventually, the time will say what happens,”he said.
Team India had a horrendous campaign in ICC T20 World Cup 2021. They first lost to arch-rivals Pakistan by 10 wickets and then were knocked out of the tournament in the group stage itself.
Hardik Pandya is expected to make comeback through IPL 2022. He will play for new franchise Ahmedabad in the tournament as he was signed by them as one of their drafts picks for INR 15 Crores and will also captain the side.
(Backstage with Boria inputs)
