Ravi Shastri urges Hardik Pandya to improve fitness for consistent play

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has called on star all-rounder Hardik Pandya to focus on improving his fitness. Pandya has faced several injuries recently, including an ankle injury that kept him out of most of the ODI World Cup 2023. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar mentioned that fitness was the main reason Pandya was not chosen as India’s captain for the ongoing T20I series against Sri Lanka.

Shastri emphasized that for Pandya to play consistently in ODI cricket, he needs to maintain his performance in T20Is and work on his fitness. Shastri hopes that Pandya's outstanding performances in the T20 World Cup 2024 will motivate him to reach peak fitness.

"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," Shastri told the ICC.

Shastri added, "But bowling becomes important. If he can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and bat the way he does, he will play in one-day cricket as well."

Currently, Pandya is part of India’s T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series but not in the ODI squad. He played in the first two T20Is against Sri Lanka, helping India secure a two-game lead and win the series. The third and final match of the series will be played in Pallekele on July 30.