Vijay Hazare Trophy may decide Hardik Pandya’s future in ODIs

Hardik Pandya’s bowling fitness concerns BCCI as the officials do not feel that the all-rounder is fit to bowl 10 overs in ODIs. The 30-year-old opted out of the upcoming 50-over series against Sri Lanka, citing personal reasons, which leaves him with only three ODIs against England to prove his value and get into the Indian team for the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025. 

The BCCI officials were impressed with his performance in T20Is but since returning from injury, he has not played the longer formats and his endurance hasn’t been tested. A source close to the development mentioned that the Gujarat-born cricketer will be featured in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy. If he does well, Hardik will be considered for ODIs in the future.

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“While he has done exceptionally well bowling just four overs in T20 cricket after returning from his injury, Hardik hasn't been tested in longer formats. His endurance needs to be monitored. The selectors will keep a watch on how he goes in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the end of the year,” a BCCI source told Times of India.

Hardik is no longer the automatic choice in any format. His uncertainty over the availability has cost him leadership in T20I cricket and if the cricketer fails to improve in terms of fitness, especially in longer formats, Hardik will fall in the pecking order. The source noted that the all-rounder is not as explosive as he used to be and added that his workload will be closely monitored going forward.

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“Hardik's batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs. His last ODI was during the World Cup last year when he got injured. It means he would not have played ODIs for over a year. His workload needs to be monitored," the source added.