Former India cricketer Ravi Shastri has called upon star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to prioritize his fitness to secure a consistent place in the Indian ODI team. Pandya, who has struggled with injuries, including an ankle injury that sidelined him for much of the ODI World Cup 2023, is currently part of India’s T20I squad against Sri Lanka but has not been included in the ODI squad.
Chief selector Ajit Agarkar recently mentioned that fitness concerns were a major reason for not appointing Pandya as India’s captain for the ongoing T20I series. Shastri emphasized the importance of match fitness and continuous play, particularly in T20Is, to help Pandya regain his form and confidence.
“I think (it’s) very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well,” Shastri told the ICC.
Shastri also highlighted the significance of Pandya’s bowling capabilities, stating that for Pandya to make a successful return to ODI cricket, he needs to be able to bowl consistently. “If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he’ll play in one-day cricket as well,” he added.
Despite his exclusion from the ODI squad, Pandya has been instrumental in India’s T20I series against Sri Lanka, helping the team secure a 2-0 lead. The final match of the series is set to be played in Pallekele on July 30.
As Pandya works towards regaining full fitness, Shastri’s advice underscores the need for sustained performance and fitness in both T20Is and ODIs to ensure a balanced and effective team composition.
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