Right about the time when Hardik Pandya thought his career is on the path of good after the T20 World Cup triumph, the all-rounder had to deal with a big setback in the shortest format of cricket. Pandya wasn’t just denied the T20I captaincy, but he also got his role of vice-captain taken away. As the BCCI bosses and selection committee remain concerned about his fitness/injury record, Pandya could be in for a bigger setback in the 50-over format. Although Pandya is still a crucial player to Team India’s plans in the shortest format, the cricketer might not find a place in India’s ODI squad for the Champions Trophy next year.
Though Hardik himself asked for a break from ODI series due to personal reasons, but a report has claimed that his place in the ODI is not certain either.
“While he has done exceptionally well bowling just four overs in T20 cricket after returning from his injury, Hardik hasn’t been tested in longer formats. His endurance needs to be monitored. The selectors will keep a watch on how he goes in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the end of the year,” a BCCI source said.
After the Sri Lanka series, Team India is scheduled to play only 3 more ODIs before the Champions Trophy next year. Hence, Pandya doesn’t seem to have much of a chance to prove his fitness in the 50-over format. As per a report, if he is to be given a spot in the ODI format, his performance will be monitored by selectors in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
“Hardik’s batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs. His last ODI was during the World Cup last year when he got injured. It means he would not have played ODIs for over a year. His workload needs to be monitored,” the report quoted the source.
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