WI v IND – Hardik nonetheless turtle not the rabbit as he builds up bowling workload for 2023 WC
Hardik Pandya has declared he is able to shoulder a considerably increased bowling workload as he builds in direction of the 2023 World Cup, however remains to be a “turtle, not the rabbit.”
Hardik, at the moment within the Caribbean with India’s limited-overs squad, has had two full months off for the reason that IPL completed. On this interval, he “switched off” for a month after which underwent a three-week bodily conditioning on the Nationwide Cricket Academy, the place there was an equal emphasis on health as there was on talent.
Forward of the sequence, he had mentioned he’d knowledgeable the group administration of his keenness to play provided that he might contribute with the ball too.
At IPL 2023, Pandya bowled 25 overs throughout 16 video games for runners-up Gujarat Titans. Within the Caribbean, Pandya has thus far bowled 9.4 overs throughout two ODIs. Within the first, he opened the bowling however was required for simply three overs in a sport the place solely 45.5 overs had been bowled. Within the second, he went wicketless in 6.4 overs as West Indies levelled the sequence with a six-wicket win.
After the second ODI, Hardik, who stood in for the rested Rohit Sharma, spoke about how he’s slowly rising his bowling workload preserving in thoughts the 50-overs World Cup. After the continued ODI sequence, Hardik’s subsequent 50-overs engagement is prone to be the Asia Cup from August 30. In between, he’ll lead India within the T20I sequence in opposition to the West Indies.
“My physique is ok. I’ve to bowl extra overs and get my workload up for the World Cup,” he mentioned. “I am a turtle proper now, not the rabbit and hoping every part goes proper because the World Cup comes on.”
On Sunday, head coach Rahul Dravid touched upon the necessity to have a look at the larger image, with out being influenced by short-term outcomes. India have chosen handy alternatives to fringe gamers to try to give them sport time within the absence of regulars who’re recuperating from accidents.
Hardik, although, is worked up in regards to the decider. “To be sincere, you need to be going 1-1 to the third sport because it’ll be tougher and thrilling,” he mentioned. “They are going to be examined; we can be examined now that the sequence stands 1-1. The subsequent sport can be thrilling for the viewers in addition to the gamers.”
With the bat, Hardik hasn’t been capable of hit prime gear within the two outings thus far. Within the first, he walked in at No. 4 with India needing 61 however was caught quick on the non-striker’s finish for five when Yannic Cariah deflected an Ishan Kishan shot onto the stumps. Within the second ODI, he was a part of a full-blown top-order collapse after a 90-run opening stand.
He made 7 off 14 balls and was out pulling a brief ball from Jayden Seales to midwicket. A ball later, India misplaced Sanju Samson as they misplaced 5 for 23. They had been finally bowled out for 181 in 40.5 overs.
“We did not bat the best way we had been imagined to,” Pandya mentioned. “The wicket was higher than it was within the first sport. Everybody barring Shubman (Gill) hit fielders and bought out. Disappointing, however there are various issues to study.”
