Hardik Pandya has to clear the fitness test to feature in IPL: BCCI
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya hasn’t been “completely fit” ever since the Twenty20 World Cup 2021. Even during that marquee tournament, he didn’t perform the role of an all-rounder as he stuck to batting alone.
It’s been quite a long time since Hardik Pandya swung his arms as far as the bowling is concerned. Later on, he not only lost his place in the Indian cricket team but was also released by Mumbai Indians ahead of the mega auction.
Hardik Pandya was also asked to take part in the Ranji Trophy tournament. However, the all-rounder withdrew his name from Baroda squad. Gujarat Titans signed the services of Hardik Pandya for Rs 15 crore ahead of the auction.
Meanwhile, the GT skipper has been asked to clear the fitness tests at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. The BCCI source made it very clear that the all-rounder needs to pass the tests in order to partake in the IPL.
No IPL for Hardik Pandya unless he clears all the fitness tests
Hardik Pandya has been out of cricketing action since the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. Since he has been out of action for a long time, it might also be too risky that he may experience fatigue or get injured too easily. This is why the BCCI asked the all-rounder to take the mandatory fitness tests.
In fact, even Shreyas Iyer took the test post the shoulder injury before playing the IPL. “Hardik will be at the NCA for the next two days and appear in the various fitness tests. He is a centrally contracted cricketer and has not played any cricket since T20 World Cup in UAE,” a BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.
Hardik Pandya has already reported at the NCA and he will be here for the next 2 days. He will have to appear in several fitness tests. “He would need to pass the fitness test as it has been mandatory for some time now. Last year, even Shreyas Iyer appeared for a fitness test post shoulder surgery before playing IPL,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Gujarat Titans are currently undergoing quarantine. They will kick-start their practice session at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera from March 17.
