Hardik Pandya (Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) New Delhi: Hardik Pandya did not turn up for either of Mumbai Indians’ two afternoon training sessions ahead of their match against Delhi Capitals on Saturday. Understandably, the Mumbai Indians skipper does not want to push his injury-prone body during a grueling two-month IPL schedule. However, apart from planning the campaign for the five-time champions, Hardik has another battle to fight. TOI understands that he has worked overtime for the last four months to assure the Indian team management and selectors that he is ready to use his full quota of 10 overs in ODIs beyond the IPL. India’s preparation for the ODI World Cup in October-November 2027 will be in full swing after the IPL. While announcing the team for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand on 3 January, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia mentioned that Hardik was not given 10 overs clearance in the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) match. The BCCI release also claimed that Hardik has been retained for the following T20 World Cup. Interestingly, five days later, Hardik bowled 10 overs for figures of 3/66 in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Chandigarh. TOI learned that Hardik himself approached the selectors and management of the Indian team in January. The team management told him they would prioritize his availability ahead of the 10 overs leading up to the World Cup in South Africa next year. It should be noted that Hardik suffered a quadriceps injury before the Asia Cup final in September and made his comeback in T20I cricket on 9 December in the series against South Africa. Sources told TOI that Hardik had conveyed his desire to play in both the white-ball formats, but the BCCI had taken a conservative approach with the T20 World Cup in mind. “Hardik is expected to play a big role in the ODI set-up as the World Cup will be played on fast and tough pitches in South Africa. He can lend the perfect balance. But he needs to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs. It may not be required in every match. The captain may end up bowling him for multiple matches from 6-7.” a source told TOI. “Selectors are also considering other bowling options. Nitish Kumar Reddy has increased his bowling load in domestic cricket as well,” the source added. Hardik has been building hard yards in and outside the CoE. He shuttles between Mumbai and Baroda to train with his own dedicated team. “Hardik has been increasing his workload. He has been working on his action to bowl swingers without compromising on pace as well. That is why he has been tasked with bowling the new ball in T20s. He feels his body is ready to cope with the rigors of bowling 10 overs in ODIs. He understands his body well enough, he claimed, and is trying to stay fit through 10 overs.
