Hardik Pandya Clashes With Coach Over Boundary Call In Sri Lanka Training

Despite off-field discussions, Hardik Pandya was in high spirits during India's first practice session in Pallekele. The Indian team is preparing for the T20I against Sri Lanka, which starts on July 27.

During the training session at Pallekele International Stadium on Tuesday, Hardik chatted with new head coach Gautam Gambhir. He then faced openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill in a 40-minute net session where they were instructed to attack all bowlers.

Later, Hardik batted under assistant coach Abhishek Nayar's supervision. In a match simulation, Hardik hit a shot through point and claimed it as a boundary. Nayar disagreed, pointing out a fielder in that area. When Hardik asked for the exact placement, Nayar pointed to a reporter, whose reply calmed the duo.

Hardik Pandya and India's assistant coach Abhishek Nayar had a disagreement regarding a boundary in team India's first-day training session in Sri Lanka. On Hardik's insistence, Nayar asked the reporter about the shot. The reporter cheekily replied, "If you have placed your fielder here, then it's a boundary."

This response left both Nayar and Hardik laughing. Nayar initially mistook the reporter for a fan until Hardik clarified.

Pandya's Role and Future Plans

Pandya lost his vice-captaincy role and wasn't even considered for T20 captaincy as BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited his fitness issue. Agarkar also claimed that with the role of just as a player, the workload of Hardik can also be managed properly.

After the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Hardik will return home for personal reasons, missing the ODI series. The India star recently announced divorce from Natasa Stankovic, whom he was married to for four years.

Hardik eventually won the simulation practice and later continued his discussion with the reporter about the shot. The all-rounder is set to play a crucial part in the T20 series.