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India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya was not named as Rohit Sharma's successor as T20I captain but will return to cricketing action in the T20I series against Sri Lanka later this month. Pandya has not been named in the ODI squad as he pulled out citing personal reasons. But new head coach Gautam Gambhir wanted senior players to play in the ODI series as India don’t have many ODIs to prepare before ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pandya who hasn’t played an ODI since getting injured during World Cup 2023 clash against Bangladesh will have a chance to earn his place in the team via Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024.
As per a report by TOI, there is uncertainty around Hardik’s fitness in the longer format of the game. He is expected to play for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 which will be played from December 20 to January 18 in order to make it to the squad for England which will begin on February 6.
"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 told the leading daily.
Before the ODI series, the 30-year-old will also play in the five-T20I series at home which will be played from January 22 to February 2.
How Pandya fared in Champions Trophy 2017
Pandya was a part of Indian team that lost to Pakistan in the final of previous edition of Champions Trophy 2017.
Pandya was relatively economical conceding 53 runs from his quota of 10 overs and got the wicket of opener Fakhar Zaman who scored a century. He was the lone warrior in the run chase after a batting collapse. He smashed six sixes and four fours in his 43-ball 76. He was unfortunately run out after a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja. India ended up getting bowled out for 158 and lost the match by 180 runs.
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