Ravi Shastri Advises Hardik Pandya On ODI Comeback: Focus On Fitness And Bowling

Hardik Pandya, who served as the vice-captain for India's victorious T20 World Cup 2024 team in Barbados, was also Rohit Sharma's deputy during the ODI World Cup 2023. Despite expectations that he would succeed Rohit Sharma as India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav was chosen instead. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited concerns over Pandya's fitness as the reason for this decision.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has advised Hardik Pandya to participate in all upcoming T20I matches to demonstrate his fitness and secure a spot back in the ODI team. Pandya last played an ODI in October 2023. Shastri emphasised the importance of match fitness for Pandya's return to form.

"I think (it's) very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well," Shastri said while speaking on the ICC review.

Shastri stressed that Pandya would be valuable to the ODI team only if he could bowl 8 to 10 overs per game. He noted that Pandya's impressive performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 should motivate him to excel in ODIs too.

"But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he'll play in one-day cricket as well," he added.

Pandya's Motivation and Current Involvement

Shastri believes that Pandya understands his body better than anyone else and should be inspired by his World Cup performance. "So I think it's up to him really, more than anything else. He understands his body better than anyone. And I'm sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should really get him going. He shouldn't need any motivation to get his fitness right at the top there," Shastri said.

Pandya is currently part of India's squad for the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka but will miss out on the ODI series due to personal reasons. Reports suggest that Pandya requested not to be selected for ODIs.

As Hardik Pandya navigates his career post-World Cup success, his fitness remains a focal point for selectors and coaches alike. His ability to contribute both with bat and ball will determine his future role in India's cricketing landscape.