Team India had its last net session on Monday evening before heading on to play three-match ODI series against Australia starting on 14 January 2020 (Today) at Wankhede in Mumbai. The players were seen going pretty hard in their net practice and work-out sessions to prepare themselves to play against the tough Aussies.
But for a surprise team India welcomed a known visitor into their on-going session, Hardik Pandya. The 26-year old all-rounder has stayed away from the game for quite a while now owing to his back injury. Hardik Pandya who suffered a back stress injury in the 2018 Asia Cup is still recovering from its aftermath. This has become a reason for him being not picked for any of the matches team India played during the recent times.
Although Hardik Pandya is not part of the current squad to play against Australia, he was seen practicing with the whole team. He did warm-ups stretching exercises, catching drills and bowled for about 15 minutes at his medium pace. He was also spotted with the bat in the nets but he didn’t try to play any hard hits while facing the rookie net bowlers.
Pandya seemed elated meeting his teammates and he spent around a good 2 hours at the practice session. Looking at his sheer determination, it is obvious to say that the young all-rounder wants to make a comeback into the squad as soon as possible. Hardik’s fitness will decide his play in the upcoming 20-20 World Cup. Being the big-hitter Pandya is, his presence in the T20 squad will surely help team India have a good lower-order batting strength.
For now, all we can do is hope for Hardik’s speedy recovery and have our fingers crossed that when he returns to the team he will redeem his old classic form.