Hardik Pandya has asked Indian selectors to not consider him for selection until he is fit. Hardik has been struggling with injuries and has faced criticism of late from all corners for not being able to bowl and justify his all-rounder tag. The Baroda all-rounder who is not involved in the ongoing home series against New Zealand is currently working hard on his fitness.
A source told Sports Tak that Pandya has asked the selection panel to not consider him until he is fully fit. The source did not divulge any more details about the out-of-form all-rounder.
The Mumbai Indians (MI) star was not fully fit to play the all-rounder role in the recently concluded T20 World Cup 2021 as he only managed to bowl only four overs in the entire tournament. He was also unable to take the field after a shoulder strain in India’s opening contest against Pakistan as Ishan Kishan came in as substitute. The right arm all-rounder has been struggling with recurring back injuries.
His latest statement to the board has also created a string of uncertainty on his Indian Premier League (IPL) future. Just ahead of the mega IPL 2022 auction, the statement suggests that he won’t be retained by the five-time IPL winner and might have to enter the bidding war. The four-time IPL champion faces a tough task to be part of the franchise next season.
Pandya’s struggle for fitness has also seen him stay away from the Test team as he last represented the nation in the longest format in 2018. Since then he has undergone back surgeries and has rehabilitated in National Sports Academy (NCA) and London.
