Mumbai Indians’ captain, Hardik Pandya, is eagerly preparing for his comeback to the cricket field in the upcoming 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. The Indian all-rounder has been sidelined since October last year due to an injury sustained during the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh. Now, Pandya has broken his silence, shedding light on the reason for his extended absence post-World Cup.
Initially anticipated to return during the World Cup’s knockout phase, Hardik Pandya’s recovery was prolonged, causing him to miss subsequent international fixtures, including 11 T20I matches across series against Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan.
Criticism regarding Pandya’s injury hiatus surfaced, with former Indian cricketer Praveen Kumar suggesting that the all-rounder strategically gets injured before the IPL season to prioritize lucrative deals in the cash-rich league. Pandya, however, refuted these allegations, asserting that his focus was on preparing for significant tournaments like the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled for June.
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In an interview with Star Sports, Hardik Pandya shared insights into his recovery journey, highlighting his adoption of yoga to enhance body awareness. He emphasized his determination not just to return to cricket but to return as an improved version of himself.
“I am so much aware of my body because of it. My point is always simple – If I go out, what is the point of coming back as the same Hardik? I have to come up with a better version of myself,” Hardik Pandya expressed.
HARDIK PANDYA said “My reason for taking this long break is not IPL. It is just one part of it. There is a bigger baby coming again Post IPL. I treat World Cup as my child”
Let’s see your performance in the World Cup.😜— Pawan (@Cricket88930786) March 18, 2024
Clarifying his hiatus, Hardik Pandya emphasized that it was not solely for the IPL but rather geared towards preparing for the upcoming T20 World Cup. He likened his dedication to World Cups as nurturing a child, striving to ensure optimal performance.
“The reason for taking this long break was not IPL. It is just one part of it. Post IPL, there is a bigger baby that is coming again, the World Cup. And I treat World Cups as my child… this entire period of preparation is to play the T20 World Cup at the best capacity and be the best version of myself,” Hardik Pandya elaborated.
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Currently training vigorously with the Mumbai Indians squad, Hardik Pandya is poised for the IPL 2024 season. Mumbai Indians will kickstart their campaign against Pandya’s former team, Gujarat Titans, on March 24 at the grand Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
