'Why are we thinking about the negatives' - Rohit Sharma slams question on Hardik Pandya's fitness ahead of England ODI series

Ahead of the first ODI between India and England in Nagpur on February 6, India’s skipper Rohit Sharma shut down concerns regarding all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s fitness. When asked about the team’s plans in case Pandya gets injured, Rohit replied that he prefers to focus on the positives rather than on hypothetical setbacks.

Pandya has had a history of injury concerns, the most notable one being the ankle injury he suffered during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The setback forced him out of the tournament after just four games, leading to a change in the balance of India’s playing XI. Despite his absence, India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament until the summit clash, where they lost to Australia.

The concern over Pandya’s fitness resurfaced as India are dealing with multiple injury worries in their pace attack, including the availability of Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming Champions Trophy. During a pre-match press conference, when asked about Pandya’s fitness and the possible impact of his absence, Rohit questioned why the focus was on negative possibilities.

"Why are we thinking about the negatives? That he will get injured, this will happen, that will happen. In the minds of the selectors, there are things in our minds. I can’t say that here. But there are things. We played the World Cup when he got injured," he said.

Also Read: 'Everyday is a fresh day, every series is a fresh series' - Rohit Sharma exudes optimism ahead of England ODI series

I won’t think about what will happen if he gets injured: Rohit Sharma

Since his injury in the World Cup, the all-rounder has not played an ODI for India. His comeback in the 2024 IPL was poor, as his franchise, Mumbai Indians, finished at the bottom of the table under his captaincy. 

"He got injured in the 3rd or 4th match. After that, we played the whole tournament. Although we lost the final, but we played good cricket till the final. So now, I won’t think about what will happen if he gets injured. What will happen if this happens, what will happen if that happens? I think, you are playing good cricket now. So we will hope that you keep playing good cricket and nothing happens," the Indian skipper added.

However, he redeemed himself in the 2024 T20 World Cup, playing a crucial role in the Men in Blue's title win. Pandya delivered all-round performances, scoring 144 runs at an average of 48 and claiming 11 wickets at an average of 18. His iconic moment came in the final against South Africa, where he bowled two of the last four overs, taking 3/20 and dismissing set batters Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller. His heroics helped India secure a narrow seven-run victory.