The All Indian Selection Committee chairman Chetan Sharma on Saturday (February 19) provided an update on all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s possible return to Team India. Pandya has been out of action since India’s exit from the ICC T20 World Cup last year in the UAE.
The ace all-rounder from Baroda was not even considered for the upcoming Sri Lanka series. Speaking in a press conference, Chetan Sharma suggested that Pandya isn’t 100% match-fit yet and will only be considered when he is ready to bowl.
Addressing the press after announcing the squads, Chetan Sharma said:
“Definitely, Hardik was a very important part of the Indian team. But now after the injuries, we’ll say that until he isn’t 100% fit, until we get that information that he’s ready to go, is bowling and is match fit… when that comes in front of us then definitely he’s an important player and we’ll consider him immediately.”
Hardik Pandya did bowl in the T20 World Cup but reportedly wasn’t completely fit then either. Ever since he has been working on his fitness and has been spotted bowling a couple of times. The Gujarat Titans captain has also asserted that he sees himself as an all-rounder and wants to resume bowling.
“You have to ask Hardik why he is not playing Ranji Trophy” – Chetan Sharma
He recently skipped the Ranji Trophy this season and was not even part of Baroda’s limited-overs teams. However, Hardik is set to feature in the IPL as the captain of Gujarat Titans.
When asked about Hardik Pandya decision to skip India’s premier domestic competition, Chetan Sharma said:
“You have to ask Hardik why he is not playing Ranji Trophy. We are only looking at players who are playing and performing in Ranji Trophy. Support a player, don’t be after him. You cannot forget Hardik’s contribution in a minute. Give him some support,” Sharma said.