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Former India coach Abhishek Nayar revealed that star all-rounder Hardik Pandya pays more attention to his fitness, health and body as a pre-game preparation. He also said that the Mumbai Indians (MI) captain practices more bowling than batting before the clash.
The 31-year-old star is currently in Dubai participating in the Asia Cup 2025. His last outing came during India's tournament opener against the UAE, where he bowled one over and conceded 10 runs. He was unable to bat because India chased down 58 runs in just 4.2 overs and registered a nine-wicket dominating win.
"He is actually slightly different. He doesn't believe too much in skill. He practices a lot, but he practices bowling more than batting. However, he pays a lot of attention to his fitness, health, and body. He has a routine, where he does yoga, concentrates on his nutrition, and trains for two to two-and-a-half hours every day," he responded.
"He is extremely diligent there. He always remains right mentally, but he tries to remain physically right. After that, he does whatever pre-tournament preparation he deems right. However, otherwise, he is mentally extremely strong," Nayar observed.
Hardik is currently preparing for India's second Group Stage clash of the Asia Cup 2025. Suryakumar Yadav-led side will face Pakistan in their second clash, which will take place at Dubai International Stadium in Dubai on September 14.
Hardik Pandya's performance against Pakistan in T20Is
Hardik has played seven T20Is against Pakistan since 2016, where he scored 91 runs with a 116.66 strike rate and picked up 13 wickets in six innings, bowling 21.3 overs. His last T20I outing against Pakistan came in the T20 World Cup 2024. The destructive all-rounder has overall played 94 T20Is and scored 1904 runs with a highest score of 92* runs and picked up 91 wickets so far.
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