Following a crippling injury suffered against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World 2023, which unfortunately ruled Hardik Pandya out of the tournament, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated an extensive 18-week fitness program.
The BCCI and the NCA are taking a careful approach to Hardik Pandya’s return to Team India, outlining an 18-week high-performance program for the all-rounder. The primary focus is on the next two T20 World Cups, with the 2024 edition set for the West Indies and the USA, followed by India hosting the 2026 event.
Hardik Pandya’s last appearance for India was in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh on October 19, where a ‘freak injury’ cut short his tournament. Despite the team patiently awaiting his recovery, he was eventually ruled out, and a replacement was announced on November 4. In the final match against Australia, a game India lost, Pandya expressed his understandable disappointment at missing what could have been a significant moment in his career.
A close source told CRICKETNEXT, “We speak of workload management. This is precisely what it is all about. Is there a doubt on his ability as a T20 cricketer? No. What we rather need is setting long-term goals and ensuring endurance levels remain up to the mark,” This reflects the board’s approach, framing Hardik Pandya’s return within a larger strategic plan.
Instead of rushing to bring the versatile player back for the crucial World Cup stages, the NCA and BCCI chose a careful and thorough rehabilitation strategy. This change in approach highlights the cricket board’s commitment to ensuring Pandya’s sustained fitness rather than opting for a quick recovery.
About Pandya’s overall fitness, an insider clarified, “First let’s be clear. Pandya’s earlier injury (back) was completely different from the freak injury or say ‘accident’ he suffered during the Bangladesh game in Pune. There is no relation between the two and it would be unfair to say he wasn’t in top shape for the World Cup or to suggest that he is injury-prone, He made a successful comeback from the back injury, has been in superb shape and it was just an unfortunate incident.”
The source further added: “It is not something new. Shreyas, Bumrah, and KL underwent similar programs during their long injury layoffs and the routine is designed keeping the next assignments in mind. Say for KL, wicket-keeping, subcontinent heat, and everything was taken into account. Similarly, Bumrah was eased into cricket with Ireland T20Is before he went full throttle in the Asia Cup,”
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Hardik Pandya’s road to recovery goes beyond just recovering from a recent injury; it serves as evidence of the BCCI’s dedication to the enduring health and outstanding performance of its players.
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