Bengaluru: Star Indian all rounder Hardik Pandya has intensified his fitness regime as he prepares for a highly anticipated comeback to the national cricket team. Sidelined since the 2026 Indian Premier League due to an unfortunate recurrence of a prior injury, the cricketer is currently sweating it out at the Board of Control for Cricket in India Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
The growing number of injuries in the Indian camp, affecting players like captain Shubman Gill, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, and Washington Sundar, has been a major cause for concern. However, recent developments regarding Pandya offer a glimmer of hope. According to reports, the all rounder is showing significant signs of improvement and is dedicating extensive time to regain his peak match fitness.
Pandya is reportedly bowling up to 12 overs every day during his practice sessions. He typically trains for three to four hours in the evening, with a clear focus on gradually increasing his bowling workload. This structured approach aims to ensure his body is fully prepared for the rigorous demands of international cricket once he returns.
Adding an unconventional twist to his routine, Pandya is actively batting against plastic balls on concrete or tiled floors. This unique drill is designed to sharpen his batting reflexes. Since plastic balls skid and shoot off hard surfaces at a much faster pace, the batsman gets significantly less reaction time. This practice is expected to dramatically enhance his reaction speed and hand eye coordination against fast bowling.
Following his recurring injury post IPL, which forced him to miss the ODI series against Afghanistan, Pandya shifted his base to Bengaluru. To maximise his rehabilitation and utilize the premium facilities at the Centre of Excellence, the star player has decided to relocate from Mumbai to Bengaluru for the next few years. Fans and the team management are now closely monitoring his progress, eagerly awaiting his powerful return to the field.