Hardik Pandya Unlikely To Be Part Of South Africa Tour; Expected To Go To NCA Over Fitness Concerns

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya could well be left out of the squad altogether for the upcoming tour of South Africa. He wasn’t included in India’s squad for the recently concluded 3-match T20I series against New Zealand.

At the moment, Hardik’s spot in the side is up for grabs since the 27-year-old hasn’t fulfilled match fitness standards of late. It has been noted that the selectors are already trying to look for replacements as they’ve grown tired of Hardik’s frequent injury bouts.

According to reports in Inside Sport, a BCCI official has stated that Hardik will be asked to go to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bangalore for a fitness-related process.

“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,” the BCCI official said.

“At the moment, Hardik Pandya is nowhere near the required fitness level” – BCCI Official

Hardik Pandya was last seen in the whites for India back on the 2018 tour of England. Since then, his fitness levels have dipped immensely, which has made him lose his spot on the Test side. As of now, he is nowhere near the Test team if the sources are to be believed.

“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.”

“Playing in Vijay Hazare will be up to his fitness. We have important series coming up, and it is better for him to be fit than playing in Hazare. But that is a call that needs to be taken after he is fully fit. At the moment, he is not. If he wants to play, it will be up to him,” the BCCI official further mentioned.

India recently tested Venkatesh Iyer in Hardik Pandya’s role, and although it is too early to say anything, there is a potential of seeing Iyer continue playing in the white-ball formats.

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