Star all-rounder Hardik Pandya has relocated to Bengaluru with the intention of turning the Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence (COE) into his long-term training base for the rest of his playing career, becoming the first high-profile active Indian cricketer to take such a step.
The decision stands out because centrally contracted Indian players usually visit the Centre of Excellence only for injury rehabilitation, fitness evaluations, or national training camps. Although Pandya hails from Vadodara, he has spent much of the last decade residing in Mumbai, training mainly at his Mumbai Indians facility in Ghansoli.
The 32-year-old, currently recovering from a quadriceps injury and ruled out of India’s ongoing white-ball tour of the United Kingdom, has spent significant time at the COE over the past six months.
“Hardik has already permanently shifted to Bengaluru. He has rented a property on the outskirts of the city, close to the COE. He will be the first Indian cricketer to make the COE his permanent training base for the remainder of his career,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
“Hardik wanted to move out of Mumbai as commuting every day from his Lower Parel residence for training had become a problem. As a centrally-contracted cricketer, he has access to every facility at the COE, from injury management to skills training.”
“Hence, he took the decision to make the COE his permanent base whenever he is not on IPL, state or national duty,” the source said.
Hardik Pandya Appoints Personal Physio and S&C Coach for Training Beyond COE
It is understood that Hardik Pandya will also have a dedicated physiotherapist along with a personal strength and conditioning (S&C) coach to support his training routines outside the COE.
“It is like shifting his base to Bengaluru as long as he plays white-ball cricket for India, and he intends to play for at least another five to six years.
“Even when he does skill work, such as batting against net bowlers hired by the COE, Hardik pays them from his own pocket,” the source added.
Regarding his return, it is understood that Hardik Pandya is still undergoing rehabilitation. He had taken a short break for personal commitments and is expected to rejoin the COE within the next couple of days.
However, it remains uncertain whether he will be selected for the three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, which is scheduled right after the United Kingdom tour, even if he is declared fit after completing the Return-to-Play protocols.
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