BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma on Saturday (February 19) made it clear that Hardik Pandya won’t be considered for selection unless he proves his fitness to play as an all-rounder.

Notably, Hardik has been in and out of Team India due to fitness issues lately. After going through back surgery in 2019, he has struggled to bowl his full quota of overs regularly.

Pandya was last seen in action during the ICC T20 World Cup 2021, wherein he bowled only four overs and failed to claim a wicket. His selection in the showpiece event also drew criticism as many were of the opinion that an unfit cricketer shouldn't be a part of the squad.

It is worth mentioning here that Hardik Pandya, who will lead the Ahmedabad-based franchise in the IPL 2022, had also opted out of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021-22 and the Ranji Trophy, which got underway on February 17.

Asked about why Pandya was skipping Ranji Trophy, Chetan said, "If somebody does not want to play, the selection committee does not interfere, in the state matters."

"You can ask Hardik why he is not playing Ranji Trophy? We are seeing those who are playing Ranji Trophy and those who are performing. We are happy to see players playing Ranji Trophy and performing," he added.

Chetan Sharma acknowledged that till the time Hardik played, he was an important member of the team.

"Look, definitely Hardik was a very important part of the Indian team," Sharma said at the virtual post-selection press conference when asked about Hardik Pandya.

"(But) after the injuries, we will now say that if he is 100 per cent fit, ready to go and also if he is bowling and match fitness and all, we will consider him immediately," he further stated.

Sharma was furious when a journalist rather than asking a question made a comment that selectors will now pick him when he declares himself fit and available during the start of IPL where he is leading Gujarat Titans and why he is not making his fitness status clear.

"Look, the most important thing is, like I said before, you can speak to him (Hardik), you would be having his (mobile) number."

"Number two, you are not a member of the selection committee to tell that whether he will be selected or not. The five selection committee members are there with me. Who gets selected and who does not, that we will decide, not you. But what he has to do, who will play what, let things come, you support a kid, don't go behind him," Chetan said.

The chairman of the selection committee also urged people not to pull the all-rounder down when he is going through a tough phase.

"What Hardik has done for the country is not a thing which can be forgotten in a minute, support him," he concluded.

(With PTI inputs)