The road back to the Indian team, all of a sudden seems tough for Hardik Pandya as he was ruled out of the test squad for the New Zealand tour.
After undergoing back surgery and missing months of cricket, Pandya was optimistic of making the squad for the New Zealand tour, but unable to achieve the required fitness level, he has failed to make the squad.?
Hardik Pandya last played for India during the South Africa T20Is in September last year and underwent back surgery in October. The 26-year-old's back complaint had kept him in and out of the national team since mid-2018.
"Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. He traveled to London and was accompanied by NCA Head Physio Ashish Kaushik for a review by spinal surgeon Dr James Allibone. Hardik will be under rehab at the National Cricket Academy until he regains full match fitness," the BCCI released a statement.
It is a setback for both Pandya and team India. He has been a crucial part of the setup for quite some time now and gives India the option of having a proper all-rounder in the team.?
Pandya last played a Test in 2018 and has not played an ODI after last year¡¯s World Cup semifinal defeat against New Zealand. Regarded an asset in all formats for his ability to perform multiple roles, he was tried out in the shortest format. But the comeback lasted just two games against South Africa in September. He has not played after the surgery in October. The team has made it clear that it treats Pandya as a special player.??
Pandya recently flunked the bowling workload monitoring test, which is one of the mandatory requirements after coming back from back surgery.? He will have to grind and improve his fitness levels to make himself available.?
With T20 World Cup taking place later this year, Pandya now faces some serious fight to knock on the doors of selectors. He still has a few months, but he will have to up his fitness game and get back in shape.
India will be hoping he is back on the pitch soon as he is seen as a crucial member of the side. Especially given his big hitting prowess, he is considered major part of the shorter formats of the game.?
There is no doubt Hardik Pandya will be included in the squad at the first opportunity alright. But whether he will be able to sustain the level of fitness after performing as an all-rounder, is a question that will keep the team management worried.