As the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash looms in the Asia Cup 2025, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar has offered an intriguing glimpse into Hardik Pandya’s preparation methods, highlighting his unique training philosophy and mental strength. India dominantly began their campaign, thrashing the United Arab Emirates by nine wickets in Dubai.

With Pakistan up next, much focus has shifted to Pandya, a proven match-winner in Indo-Pak encounters. Speaking on Sony Sports, Nayar revealed that Pandya devotes more time to bowling than batting in the nets, while placing immense emphasis on fitness and body care.

“He is actually slightly different. He doesn’t believe too much in skill. He practices a lot, but mostly his bowling. More importantly, he pays a lot of attention to his fitness, health, and body,” Abhishek Nayar explained. He further noted that Pandya’s daily routine includes yoga, strict nutrition, and dedicated two-to-two-and-a-half-hour training sessions, underlining his disciplined approach.

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Nayar praised Pandya’s diligence, stressing that the all-rounder ensures both physical readiness and mental clarity before every tournament. “He always remains mentally right, but he makes sure his body is right too. That balance makes him very strong,” Nayar said.

Former India batter Ajay Jadeja, also part of the discussion, weighed in on Pandya’s self-belief and ability to intimidate opponents. “That’s his strength. He has the skills — batting, bowling, and fielding. But more importantly, he comes in with confidence and doesn’t get rattled, even in tense Pakistan games,” Jadeja remarked.

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Jadeja highlighted how Pandya’s confidence remains intact regardless of form, citing his tough stint with the Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024. “There’s a fine line between confidence and overconfidence. Even when results didn’t go his way, his belief never changed. That’s what sets him apart,” Jadeja said.

As India prepares for their arch-rivals, Pandya’s combination of fitness, confidence, and all-round ability could once again prove decisive in one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries.