The issue is not simply about getting Pandya back onto the field. India’s team management wants him available as a genuine all rounder, particularly for the ODI format, rather than bringing him in solely as a batter. The all rounder has not been included in either India’s T20I or ODI squads for the series, and Gambhir has now explained that Pandya is still not ready to handle the bowling demands expected from him in 50-over cricket.
Hardik Pandya’s absence from India’s upcoming white ball assignments against the West Indies has a straightforward reason, according to head coach Gautam Gambhir.
The BCCI has confirmed India’s squads for the home series, with Shubman Gill named ODI captain and Shreyas Iyer leading the T20I side. We don’t want to rush him into international cricket. That approach also leaves room for Nitish Kumar Reddy to remain part of India’s plans. Gambhir indicated that the two all rounders could feature together once Pandya reaches the required level of fitness. Nitish has already been selected in India’s ODI squad for the West Indies series. The T20I squad also includes him, while Pandya is absent from both groups. India A Chance For Pandya Pandya does have a route back through India A. He has been named in India’s One Day squad for the three match series against Australia A in Puducherry. West Indies Series Ahead India’s white ball campaign against the West Indies is the immediate assignment from which Pandya will remain absent. Nitish is part of both squads. His next competitive opportunity with India A against Australia A could provide the clearest indication of how close he is to that target.
Because of his history with injuries, why India Is Waiting Pandya’s bowling workload has remained an important part of India’s planning. The current thinking from the Indian camp is therefore centred on getting him back to the point where he can contribute with both bat and ball before returning to international cricket. Because the matches offer him an opportunity to build his workload in the 50-over format, the India A assignment could consequently become an important test of his readiness, particularly. For Pandya, the message from Gambhir is therefore clear: a return will depend on reaching the bowling workload required of him rather than simply being available to bat.
‘Hardik Pandya cannot bowl 10 overs at the moment. Gambhir’s comments came after India’s 127 run victory over Afghanistan in the third T20I on September 17. India completed a 3-0 sweep in the series, with the result also providing an opportunity for the coach to address Pandya’s situation. For the ODI setup, his ability to complete a full 10-over spell is particularly significant. The BCCI announced the squads on September 16. The fixtures are scheduled for October 6, October 9 and October 11.
When he is fit there is a possibility of both he and Nitish playing,’ Gautam Gambhir said on Pandya’s comeback in post match press conference.
Gambhir was happy with how Nitish bowled in his comeback T20 against Afghanistan, taking three wickets in the final game here on Thursday. However, the BCCI has made his selection subject to fitness clearance. That means his return to competitive cricket is still dependent on the medical assessment before he can take part. The injury-prone all-rounder will have to prove his match fitness in the A series against Australia next month at Puducherry. Gautam Gambhir cautioned against rushing Pandya back to international cricket.
Pandya, who has not played any cricket since May due to a quadriceps injury, was not picked for the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies as he is not in a position to bowl 10 overs. He has also been withdrawn from the Asian Games T20 squad so that he can focus on ODIs. Earlier reporting noted: India head coach Gautam Gambhir is delighted with the progression of Nitish Reddy as a fast-bowling all-rounder and said there is a strong possibility of him playing alongside Hardik Pandya once the star all-rounder is fit enough to bowl 10 overs in the 50-over format.
Earlier reporting noted: Gautam Gambhir cautioned against rushing Pandya back to international cricket. Earlier reporting noted: The role of a fast bowling all-rounder, a rare commodity in Indian cricket, has gained more significance ahead of the World Cup in South Africa next year.
