Hardik Pandya And A String Of Injuries

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August 30th, 2018, the last time we saw Hardik Pandya playing in whites for India. It was the fourth test match of the series against England in Southampton. Since then it has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride for the Indian all rounder. He has played a vital role in the Indian team's sheer dominance in world cricket over the years and as India gets ready for another tour to the UK for the longest form of the game, lets have a look at the India's multi dimensional player's journey.

The stage was set for the much awaited India vs Pakistan game at the Dubai international stadium as India took on the arch rivals in the Asia cup 2018. India were asked to bowl first after Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss. It was the 18th over of the innings when Hardik, who had already bowled 4 overs of his quota, came running to bowl to Babar Azam and was knocked down on the ground in his follow through. He appeared to have slipped there, but he knew it was something serious. Pandya, as he mentioned in an interview later, just thought his career was over as he was being taken off the field on the stretcher. It wasn't an injury that developed overnight, rather it had first surfaced during India's tour of England just a few weeks ago.

Since that tournament he has been a constant part of the rehabilitation and workload management program. He was out of action for next few months. When finally his comeback was on the cards as India toured Australia, he was again forced to miss the series but this time not because of an injury, instead because of his outrageous comments on a television chat show which led to lot of drama and controversies. He was then banned by the BCCI but later returned for the New Zealand tour where he made a strong comeback.

But life has not been easy for Hardik as he again missed India's next home assignment against Australia and later carried his injury throughout the 50 over World Cup in England. Eventually in the latter half of 2019, he had to undergo a back surgery after he struggled again in the home series against South Africa.


"Did utilise him in the T20Is but in the ODIs, it’s about managing his workload. We have Test cricket in England coming up too. So it’s important for us to have him fit". these were the words of the Indian skipper when asked about not bowling Hardik in the second ODI of the recently concluded series against England at home. The captain hoped that Hardik will be available with his all round services when India tour England later in the year. 

The BCCI recently announced the squad for the UK tour and the major missing name was that of Hardik Pandya. The quite obvious reason behind this is his inability to bowl long spells and contribute with the ball in the red ball format. Pandya would have been really handy with the ball in the seaming conditions in England, given the fact that he had also taken a five wicket haul when India last toured England. 

He has been battling injuries for a long time now and as a part of his workload management, he hasn't bowled a single ball in two consecutive IPL season's now. He was expected to roll his arm over in this season of IPL, as he had started to bowl for India again in the recently concluded T20 series against England, but was again unable to do so with a shoulder injury.

All this has been a part of discussion because of the fact that the skills he brings to the table as a fast bowling all rounder are crucial for India for long term success. His fitness is a real concern for the Indian cricket team and the fans as well because when he starts bowling, he provides the flexibility to the team as the sixth bowling option and a powerful hard hitting finisher down the order. We all just hope that he regains full fitness and we could witness Hardik Pandya winning games for India with the ball as well.

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