NEW DELHI: With only six
ODIs
to go before the ICC
Champions Trophy
next February, there are persisting doubts about
Hardik Pandya
's bowling fitness in the 50-over format.
While Hardik had asked for a break from the three ODIs in Sri Lanka next month citing personal reasons, TOI has learnt that his fitness will be closely monitored over the next few months in domestic cricket.
The next three ODIs that India play are against England in Jan preceding the Champions Trophy.
"While he has done exceptionally well bowling just four overs in T20 cricket after returning from his injury, Hardik hasn't been tested in longer formats. His endurance needs to be monitored. The selectors will keep a watch on how he goes in the
Vijay Hazare Trophy
at the end of the year," a
BCCI
source told TOI.
Hardik, sources say, is not an automatic pick in ODIs if he doesn't have the endurance to bowl longer spells. Recently, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and new head coach
Gautam Gambhir
expressed their reluctance to hand Hardik leadership role due to the uncertainty over his availability.
Suryakumar Yadav
was named the captain for the T20Is in Sri Lanka while Hardik was also stripped off his ODI vice-captaincy which was given to
Shubman Gill
.
"Hardik's batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs. His last ODI was during the World Cup last year when he got injured. It means he would not have played ODIs for over a year. His workload needs to be monitored," the source said.
Hardik has been plagued by injuries and often made his India comeback on the heels of an ICC tournament. He had lost his place in T20 cricket after the 2021 T20 World Cup because he wasn't able to bowl at full throttle.
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