Hardik Pandya who was released by MI has been roped in by the new Ahmedabad franchise and is all set to lead them in IPL 2022. Hardik Pandya has only played for the Mumbai franchise in the IPL. He has played 1476 runs for MI in IPL so far at an average of 27.33 and picked 42 wickets averaging 31.26.
Hardik Pandya proved a point with his unique all-round abilities when he started representing Team India in January 2016 and since then has gone on to score some vital runs in the middle-order, chip in with wickets, and also with his exceptional fielding performances. While Hardik Pandya’s cricketing career skyrocketed, he experienced a huge setback after he injured his lower back and had to undergo surgery in London in October 2019.
Hardik Pandya Admits Staying In A Bio Bubble Is Very Tough
Since then the all-rounder has played as a batter as the back injury forbids him to bowl though he was seen rolling his arms over on a few occasions. Now, the younger Pandya is toiling hard to recover his full fitness so that he can make himself available for selection in the national team with an eye on the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 later this year.
“I have always rushed myself with my preparation keeping the team’s interest in mind. But this time I wanted some time off to prepare myself physically and mentally. I also wanted to take some time off for my family. We have spent a lot of time in bio bubbles, though everyone has tried to make us feel comfortable, staying in a bio bubble is very tough”, said Hardik Pandya.
It’s notable that Hardik Pandya was criticized heavily for his lacklustre performance in the 2021 T20I World Cup where he didn’t bowl much and also couldn’t contribute much in the crucial matches against Pakistan and New Zealand. Also, he didn’t bowl a single over in the last two seasons of IPL for Mumbai Indians.
Hardik Pandya had a forgettable T20 World Cup 2021 campaign, barring one innings against Afghanistan, where smashed an unbeaten 35 off 13 balls. More than his performances, it was the confusion over his bowling status that hurt India and also put them in an embarrassing situation during the ICC event. He went on to play all the matches, scoring 11 off 8 against Pakistan, 23 off 24 against New Zealand, and an unbeaten 35 off 13 against Afghanistan.
The 28-year-old bowled in only two of India’s five T20 World Cup 2021 matches in the UAE. He looked completely ineffective and was wicketless.
Hardik Pandya Wanted Time Off To Reflect On Himself And Understand Areas Needed To Work On
Meanwhile, the Mumbai all-rounder also mentioned that he needed some time off to reflect on himself and work on the key areas that he needed to improve on. At the same time, he also said that he would continue to work hard in silence. Since all the domestic tournaments have been postponed due to Covid-19, Hardik Pandya can prove his fitness only in IPL 2022 now which is likely to start in the last week of March.
“You spend a lot of time away from your family and that eventually takes a toll on you. I wanted time off to reflect on myself and understand which areas I need to work on and concentrate on improving those things. I am doing two sessions every day. I have always worked hard in silence and will continue to do so”, he said.
Hardik Pandya who was released by the five-time winners Mumbai Indians has been roped in by the new Ahmedabad franchise and he is all set to lead them in the upcoming IPL 2022. However, in this IPL 2022 season, he will captain the newly inducted Ahmedabad franchise as he was signed for ₹15 Crores ahead of the auction along with Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill.