Latest Cricket News: Hardik Pandya, India’s all-rounder, failed not to live up to expectations during the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Following that, he was left out of the Men in Blue’s selection for the home series against New Zealand. Aside from his form, the Mumbai Indians star’s fitness has been a major concern, as he has not been able to bowl regularly in match conditions since undergoing surgery. All of this meant that the team balance was thrown off by putting Hardik in the starting lineup, who would subsequently underperform.
As a result, it is currently being speculated that Hardik may be absent from the Indian squad for the South Africa visit. According to reports, Hardik has been asked by the BCCI and the selection committee to report to the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore to show his fitness following the respite given to him following the ICC event.
We will make a decision on his inclusion in the South Africa tour based on his fitness: Official of the BCCI
“Rest will be crucial in his recuperation from injury. He should be attending the NCA shortly, and his inclusion in the South Africa tour will be decided based on his fitness “According to an InsideSport article, a BCCI official said.
“At the present, he is nothing near the fitness level required for Test cricket.” He needs time, and we do not want to rush things as we did before the World Cup. If he is fit, he will be assigned to the ODI and T20 series,” the official stated.
Meanwhile, Venkatesh Iyer was named to India’s T20I squad for the ongoing home series against New Zealand, and while he batted in both matches, he is yet to bowl in the series. With India leading the three-match series by an insurmountable margin, Iyer may be handed an over or two to test his mettle with the ball in international cricket.
Furthermore, other players who have warmed the benches in the two previous matches, including Ishan Kishan, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Avesh Khan, could be called up by the Rohit Sharma-led squad. The final Twenty20 International is slated to begin in a few hours at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
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