Hardik Pandya Eyes Return to Cricket by Playing Ranji Trophy for Baroda

Its been a tough last few months for Hardik Pandya. An unfortunate injury during the Asia Cup 2018 had put him away from the major series for Indian cational cricket team. Meanwhile, he is eyeing to make a return by playing the upcoming Ranji Trophy game for Baroda, as the stepping stone. Hardik Pandya is quite excited and happy to get fit again. He wants to deliver the goods for the side and also test his match fitness. Further, Pandya clarified it is not about his performances but his fitness, which is the major concern for the youngster at present.

Pandya eyes Test return

“Tomorrow will be THE day. I’m very excited. I’m done resting, being away from the game for so long. I wanted to come back smart and in the right way. I’m quite happy that I’m finally fit and ready to play cricket. I’m coming back after three months, I just want to express myself, play my best cricket and enjoy myself,” Pandya told TOI in an exclusive interview on Thursday.

“It’s not about performance, but about me getting fit and coming back to the game. Obviously, I want to put in a very good performance – that’s how I play my game. I want to give my 100% for whichever team I play. Right now, I’m not thinking about India, but focusing on Baroda winning this game,” he said.

I picked Ranji game over India ‘A’ – Hardik Pandya

The all-rounder quoted he wants to represent India in the Test format, which made him choose Ranji game rather than playing India A tour game against New Zealand. He showed his optimistic side in getting a call-up for the third and fourth Test against Australia.

“I picked this Ranji Trophy game over India ‘A‘, because I want to play Tests. There is a chance that if I do well and the team requires me, I might be picked for the third and fourth Tests in Australia. I wanted to test my fitness in a four-day game, rather than a One-day because this would exactly give me an idea of where I stand,” he revealed.

Well, it would be interesting to see how Hardik Pandya approaches the Ranji game. Hopefully, he delivers the goods and gets back to the Indian side as quickly as possible.