'Post IPL, there is a bigger baby that is coming again, the World Cup' - Hardik Pandya reveals reason for extended break post injury

Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya is gearing up for his much-anticipated return to the cricket field in the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League. The Indian all-rounder was ruled out since October last year following an injury sustained during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh. Pandya has now broken his silence, clarifying the reason behind his extended break after the World Cup.

Hardik was expected to return in the knockout phase of the World Cup but failed to recover and later missed all the international fixtures thereafter, which included 11 T20I matches across three series against Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan, respectively.

'There is a bigger baby that is coming again' - Hardik Pandya

Pandya's long absence from the cricket field has drawn criticism from some quarters, with former Indian cricketer Praveen Kumar alleging that the all-rounder gets injured before the IPL season to focus on earning "big bucks" in the cash-rich league.

However, Pandya has hit back at these claims, revealing that his break was aimed at preparing himself for the bigger tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in June this year.

In an interview with Star Sports, Pandya opened up about his recovery process, stating that he took up yoga to become more aware of his body. He emphasized that his goal was not just to return to the game but to come back as a better version of himself.

“It is such a beautiful thing. I am so much aware of my body because of it. I had never tried it before in my life. My point is always simple - If I go out, what is the point of coming back as the same Hardik? I have to come up with a better version of myself," Pandya said.

Also read: Hardik Pandya recounts his challenging journey of injury during the 2023 World Cup

Pandya clarified that his extended break was not solely for the IPL but rather to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup, 

"And my reason for taking this long break was not IPL. It is just one part of it. Post IPL, there is a bigger baby that is coming again, the World Cup. And I treat World Cups as my child. As many times as I can try and make sure that get them back, I'll try. And this entire period of preparation is that if the end goal is to play the T20 World Cup at the best capacity and be the best version of myself,” he added.

The 30-year-old all-rounder has joined the MI camp and is training hard with the other players for the tournament. MI is set to face Hardik's previous franchise Gujarat Titans in their opening game of the IPL 2024 on March 24 at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. 

Also read: Ashish Nehra on Hardik Pandya's move to Mumbai Indians