Hardik Pandya makes massive statement on his current role with Indian cricket team

The Indian cricket team is set for a busy and gruelling next few months. Rohit Sharma and Co. are gearing up to play Pakistan in the Super Fours game of the 2023 Asia Cup against Pakistan on Sunday, September 10. Ahead of the big game, India all-rounder Hardik Pandya spoke about his current role with Team India.

Hardik has resumed bowling at full tilt in recent times after a few injury-filled years. The 29-year-old from Baroda is considered a key player for India as the ODI World Cup approaches. He is likely to grab eyeballs when India takes on their arch-rivals Pakistan at his Indian Premier League (IPL) home ground in Ahmedabad on 14^th October.

Hardik Pandya gives his take on being an all-rounder

Hardik was in conversation with Star Sports India for the show ‘Follow The Blues’. When asked how he copes with being an all-rounder in the current era, he said, “As an all-rounder, my workload is twice or thrice as anyone else. When a batter in the team goes and bats and finishes his batting and is heading home, I’ll still be bowling after that”. Hardik Pandya had got injured during Asia Cup 2018 after which he had limited himself from bowling.”

“So for me, all the managing, all the pushing, and everything happens during the sessions or my training or my pre-camp season. When the game arrives, it is more about whatever the team requires, and the managing side goes out of the park, and it is more practical calls that how many overs are needed for me. Because if 10 overs are not needed, there is no point in me bowling 10 overs, but if 10 overs are needed, then I’ll be bowling,” he added.

Hardik began his Asia Cup 2023 campaign with a bang, scoring 87 runs in the first game against Pakistan. He added over 100 runs with Ishan Kishan after India found themselves at 66/4 at one stage. Hardik’s form will be crucial for India in the remaining matches and the upcoming World Cup.