‘Step by step’ – Hardik Pandya ‘putting in the hard yards’ amidst fight with poor form and fitness issues

Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya hasn’t had the best of times in top level cricket, especially in the last four months. The youngster has tussled to find momentum and hasn’t been able to put in the performances he’s known for. Pandya had a horrendous outing in the 2021 edition of the Indian Premier League as his team, Mumbai Indians, failed to qualify for the playoffs.

He flattered to deceive in the T20 World Cup 2021 where he could perform neither with bat nor with ball. Hardik also didn’t bowl enough and questions on his fitness were raised. In the meantime, Pandya uploaded a video where he can be seen determined to stage a comeback.

Pandya is known for playing the big shots and taking the aerial route more often than not. But in the clip, he was seen, playing defensive strokes and trying to be circumspect. He captioned the video and wrote, “Step by step. Putting in the hard yards,”

Hardik Pandya’s video

 

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A post shared by Hardik Himanshu Pandya (@hardikpandya93)

Pandya likely to lead Ahmedabad IPL team

Hardik made his IPL debut for the Mumbai Indians back in 2015, but the five-time champions released him ahead of the mega auction. In the meantime, it’s learned that the all-rounder may lead the new Ahmedabad team in the upcoming edition.

“Yes, Ahmedabad franchise has received their Letter of Intent. However, they have been doing their back-room work for some time as it’s a huge process. As far as we know, Hardik has been zeroed in on as the captain of the franchise.

“Hardik with his local connect and being a proven IPL performer for Mumbai Indians for so long was an obvious choice as captain and premier player,” a senior BCCI official was quoted as saying on conditions of anonymity.

“The franchise has almost finalised its deal with Afghan spin sensation Rashid Khan and dashing keeper-batter Ishan Kishan as their second and third picks from the draft. As of now, that’s what is finalised unless there are changes at the last moment,” the source added.

The Ahmedabad team has already roped in Gary Kirsten as its mentor and Ashish Nehra as the head coach for the next season of the T20 tournament.