Hardik Pandya's ODI future in dark clouds, Vijay Hazare Trophy not a choice anymore

All-rounder Hardik Pandya's place in the Indian ODI team has come under scrutiny, with a few 50-over matches scheduled before the Champions Trophy 2025. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is likely to monitor Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness in domestic cricket, according to the Times of India.

Hardik Pandya delivered a standout performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the USA. He amassed 144 runs at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57. He also took 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.64. However, there are concerns about his bowling fitness for One-Day Internationals.

The 30-year-old cricketer requested a break from India's three ODIs in Sri Lanka next month due to personal reasons. The Men in Blue will play their next ODI series against England in January 2025. Notably, Pandya suffered an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup 2023, which kept him out of action for a few months.

Hardik Pandya has not played in ODIs since his ankle injury during the 2023 World Cup. The Baroda all-rounder will miss the 50-over format for the entire year unless he participates in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in December. The MI skipper is expected to provide balance to the Indian cricket team in white-ball formats.

Hardik Pandya Hasn't Been Tested In Longer Formats - BCC Source

According to a report in the Times of India, the selectors will assess Hardik Pandya's bowling fitness during the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the year's end. The report added that Pandya has not been tested in longer formats despite performing well in T20s after his injury.

"While he has done exceptionally well bowling just four overs in T20 cricket after returning from his injury, Hardik hasn't been tested in longer formats. His endurance needs to be monitored. The selectors will keep a watch on how he goes in the Vijay Hazare Trophy at the end of the year," a BCCI source told TOI.

The report added that Hardik Pandya will not be included in the ODI team if he cannot bowl long spells. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee and new head coach Gautam Gambhir opted for Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain due to concerns about Pandya's fitness.

"Hardik's batting has not been as explosive as it used to be. He played well in the T20 World Cup but his true value comes through if he is bowling well and finishing his quota of overs. His last ODI was during the World Cup last year when he got injured. It means he would not have played ODIs for over a year. His workload needs to be monitored," the source said.

Suryakumar Yadav was named captain of the T20I team for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to begin on July 27. Hardik Pandya is also included in the squad for the shorter format. Pandya was not given the vice-captain role, with Shubman Gill being appointed vice-captain in both formats.

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