Indian cricket board sets 18-week recovery program for Hardik Pandya ahead of IPL 2024

A Close source of the Indian cricket board recently got candid with News18 to talk about Hardik Pandya’s recovery updates after he got injured in the team’s league match of the ODI World Cup 2023 against Bangladesh at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. 

Pandya bowled three bowls in the first over of his spell and pulled an injury in his ankle and the injury prompted Pandya to miss the remaining tournament. As per reports, the Indian cricket board have opted for a patient and slow recovery procedure of 18 weeks along with the NCA for Hardik Pandya as a proof plan to prepare him for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. 

The plan includes Cardio, strength training, functional training, rest and recovery, and is expected to conclude around March end, just before the commencement of the IPL 2024. Hardik Pandya was recently traded to Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of the tournament. 

Hardik Pandya’s back and foot injury are not related: Sources 

“We speak of workload management. This is precisely what it is all about. Is there a doubt on his ability as a T20 cricketer? No. What we rather need is setting long-term goals and ensuring endurance levels remain up to the mark,” a source said. 

“First let’s be clear. Pandya’s earlier injury (back) was completely different from the freak injury or say ‘accident’ he suffered during the Bangladesh game in Pune. There is no relation between the two and it would be unfair to say he wasn’t in top shape for the World Cup or to suggest that he is injury prone. He made a successful comeback from the back injury, has been in superb shape and it was just an unfortunate incident,” the source added. 

“It is not something new. Shreyas, Bumrah and KL underwent similar programmes during their long injury layoffs and the routine is designed keeping the next assignments in mind. Say for KL, wicket-keeping, subcontinent heat and everything was taken into account. Similarly, Bumrah was eased into cricket with Ireland T20Is before he went full throttle in the Asia Cup,” the source concluded.