‘My preparations are all about playing as an all-rounder’ – Hardik Pandya gives update on his fitness

The last few months haven’t pleasant for Hardik Pandya by any means. Owing to fitness issues, the all-rounder wasn’t able to bowl much and the same raised question over his selection in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2021. The Men in Blue suffered a horrendous outing in the competition and couldn’t even clear the league stage. As Pandya also couldn’t do much in the tournament, he faced even more backlash.

The national selectors subsequently dropped him from the white-ball team and Venkatesh Iyer was selected for the fast-bowling all-rounder’s role. In the meantime, Hardik underwent rehabilitation to regain full fitness. Speaking of his plans, the 28-year-old said he’s determined to serve the national team as an all-rounder. On being asked about his fitness status, the Junior Pandya said he’s feeling ‘good and strong.’

I am feeling good and strong: Hardik Pandya

“I want to play as an all-rounder. If something goes bad, then I don’t know but my preparations are all about playing as an all-rounder. I am feeling good, feeling strong and eventually, the time will say what happens,” Hardik Pandya told veteran journalist Boria Majumdar on his show Backstage with Boria.

Meanwhile, Pandya has been named the captain of Ahmedabad franchise ahead of the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). While the Baroda-born cricketer has proved himself as a three-dimensional player, his leadership skills are still untested. Hence, it would be interesting to see how Hardik fares as a leader.

Speaking on the same, the all-rounder said he wants to maintain a comfortable atmosphere in the dressing room.

“My way of leadership is to set examples, to set culture, to set the attitude which the team wants to play with. So, my way of leadership is taking the team along. So, my philosophy isn’t too complicated. You have to make sure the environment is nice and the players are feeling at home and once everyone gets comfortable, they realize their potential,” said Pandya.

Meanwhile, Rashid Khan and Shubman Gill are the two players picked by Ahmedabad in the draft ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction. Hence, the franchise owners must come up with a precised strategy in the bidding event.