Ravi Shastri has advised allrounder Hardik Pandya to play T20I cricket as much to rebuild his fitness and make his way to the ODI team.
Ravi Shastri had recommended improving his fitness, which will help to feature effectively in the ODI side as well. After Rohit’s T20I retirement, Hardik was snubbed from T20I captaincy. BCCI had named Suryakumar Yadav as the captain.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has removed the ODI vice-captaincy role in ODIs ahead of the Sri Lanka tour. Ajit Agarkar said that Hardik’s fitness issues were the reason behind from captaincy snub.
While speaking in the ICC interview, Shastri said, “I think (it’s) very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well.”
“But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he’ll play in one-day cricket as well,” he added.
Shastri said that Hardik’s performance in the T20 World Cup will motivate him to achieve peak fitness going forward.
“So I think it’s up to him really, more than anything else. He understands his body better than anyone. And I’m sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should really get him going. He shouldn’t need any motivation to get his fitness right at the top there,” Shastri said.
Hardik has been impressive in the form during the T20I series against the Sri Lanka tour. He has picked two wickets so far and scored 31 runs in two matches. India currently leads the T20I series 2-0 and is set to play the third match on July 30 at Pallekele International Stadium.
