India’s star all-rounder Hardik Pandya is already managing his workload with more than a year to go into ODI World Cup 2027. As there was a big gap between Mumbai Indians' (MI) two games, he opted to skip two afternoon sessions ahead of Delhi Capitals (DC) clash. However, in the background, he is working towards building his workload for the ODI team.
As per a report by TOI, Pandya has conveyed to the selectors and team management that he wants to play the ODI World Cup 2027. He has been working on it for the last four months. However, the main point raise by the management and selectors is that they expect full quota of 10 overs from him.
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Earlier this year, he had not been named in the ODI squad for series against New Zealand. Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary Devajit Saikia said that the all-rounder has not been cleared by the Centre of Excellence (CoE) to bowl 10 overs in a game. With T20 World Cup 2026 in focus, it seemed a wise move. But, a few days later, he bowled his full quota of 10 overs against Chandigarh in Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) match, picking up three wickets.
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Pandya’s availability will be crucial in pace-friendly tracks of South Africa. The selectors and the team management have been cautious considering the all-rounder got injured before the T20 Asia Cup 2025 final and missed a few months of action. The selectors have also picked Nitish Kumar Reddy as his backup.
“Hardik is expected to play a big role in the ODI setup since the World Cup will be played on fast and bouncy pitches in South Africa. He can lend the perfect balance. But he has to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs. He may not be required to do so in every match. The captain may end up bowling him for 6-7 overs in most matches. But he should be available if the captain needs more from him,” a BCCI source told TOI.
“The selectors are also looking at other seam-bowling options. Nitish Kumar Reddy has increased his bowling workload in domestic cricket as well,” the source added.
Meanwhile, Pandya has been working on adding a few variations to his bowling. He has also welcomed the role to open the bowling in T20Is.
“Hardik has been increasing his workload. He has worked on his action to bowl in-swingers as well without compromising on pace. That’s why he has been entrusted to bowl with the new ball in T20s. He feels his body is ready to cope with the rigours of bowling 10 overs in ODIs. He understands his body well enough and is working towards staying fit to bowl 10 overs,” the source further added.
Pandya’s ODI record in South Africa
In 2018, Pandya played six ODIs in South Africa. He claimed four wickets at an average of 54, bowling 44 overs. His economy rate was impressive at 4.90 runs per over. He had a horrible run with the bat in the same series, scoring 26 runs from four innings at an average of 8.66.