Hardik Pandya unlikely to travel to South Africa, asked to join NCA
Ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya is likely to miss out on the the South Africa tour as he continues to struggle over his fitness. As per reports, he has been asked to report to the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru to prove his fitness before being available for selection.
Hardik came under the scanner for not being fully fit during the T20 World Cup in the UAE. He didn’t bowl in the game against Pakistan and although he resumed bowling in the subsequent matches, Hardik Pandya looked far from his best. He was rested from the series against New Zealand and as it looks now, the wait is likely to get extended as per reports in InsideSport.
“His recovery from injury will mainly depend on rest. He should be visiting the NCA soon and we will take a call on his inclusion in South Africa tour depending on his fitness,” a BCCI official told.
The official also confirmed that at the moment Hardik Pandya is nowhere near full fitness and that is concerning. India is looking for Hardik’s back-up in Venkatesh Iyer, who has looked decent in the three-match series against New Zealand.
“At this moment, he is no way near the required fitness level for Test cricket. He needs time and we don’t want to rush things like was the case before the World Cup. If he is ready, he will be sent for the ODI and T20 series,” the official said.
Moreover, Hardik Pandya is unlikely to feature in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as well as the physios want the all-rounder to rest much as he can to recover fully and return to the scheme of things.
