I’m a work in progress, focussing on controllables: Hardik Pandya
PTI, Mar 19, 2022, 1:32 PM IST
New Delhi: Injury-prone India all-rounder Hardik Pandya says he is still a ”work in progress” and is focussing on the ”controllables” as he gears up to lead Gujarat Titans in the upcoming Indian Premier League beginning March 26.
The 28-year-old has been battling fitness concerns ever since injuring his back in 2019 and didn’t find a place in the Indian team for the last few series against New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies, and Sri Lanka.
”I was just spending time with family, working hard as always. (I’m) making sure I prepare well. For me, it was a time of self-realizing a lot of think about what I want and what will work for me going forward and I got these answers during this time,” Hardik said in a video posted in the IPL website.
There was a lot of buzzes after Pandya was named the captain of the Gujarat Titans after he was not retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL mega auction in February.
”I don’t think it is going to be my comeback or I am focusing on it. For me, right now I just want to be in a positive mindset and I’m not looking way ahead, I am just focussing on things which are controllable, which is looking after my body and making my team win,” he said.
”Eventually if I do things right for Gujarat Titans in IPL then things will fall into places for future as well. I am just a work in progress right now but for me, what will be important is that I will always be available for the players no matter what time and day. I want to give the players security and freedom.” Pandya, who has been demoted from Grade A to C in the BCCI central contracts, had recently undergone a general assessment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru where he bowled and also passed the ‘Yo-Yo’ Test comfortably.
”I am looking forward to this IPL because I have been away from the sport for quite long time. For me it is very exciting, I will get to see where exactly I am after three months of hard work that I have put in behind the closed doors,” he said. ”Result doesn’t matter because I have learnt hard work doesn’t guarantee you success but right process will eventually get you success.” Gujarat Titans will clash with fellow debutants Lucknow Super Giants – led by KL Rahul — in their IPL campaign opener on March 28. ”I’m quite happy with the team. It is a new team and to be honest, we are not here to prove anyone anything. We are here to play good cricket. ”We are here to make sure that the environment is right for the players to flourish in their own capacity. There’s no expectation as such. We are going to be a team that makes sure it keeps improving.” Pandya, who made his first appearance in the IPL in 2015 for Mumbai Indians, expressed his gratitude to the five-time champions. ”I am very grateful to Mumbai Indians. I played international cricket because of Mumbai Indians. I have achieved a lot and it was close to my heart but now I am looking forward to new opportunities,” he said.
Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.
Top News
Related Articles More
IPL Retention: Kohli drops hints of completing 20 years with RCB till 2027
Revisiting work done before England series helped during this knock: Gill
3rd Test: India strike early after taking slender lead against New Zealand at tea on day 2
How’s Prithvi Shaw going? Australian coach says Konstas isn’t ready for Test cricket
IPL 2025: Rishabh Pant released by DC, Klaasen pips Kohli in retention price
MUST WATCH
Latest Additions
Jayant Patil claims BJP used irrigation ‘scam’ to blackmail Ajit Pawar; Fadnavis, NCP chief hit back
Medical College expels 5 MBBS students from hostel for ragging juniors
Insulting women is in DNA of Cong leaders, alleges Jharkhand BJP
Man arrested from Delhi for calling up Pappu Yadav posing as aide of Lawrence Bishnoi
Tejasvi Surya hits out at Kharge, CMs of Cong-ruled states over poll promises
Thanks for visiting Udayavani
You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.