IND vs SL Series: Selectors upset with Hardik Pandya – Hardik Pandya’s decision to skip the Ranji Trophy by ignoring selectors’ advice hasn’t gone down well with the chairman of the selection committee Chetan Sharma. The flamboyant all-rounder who hasn’t played any competitive cricket since the T20 World Cup has remained unavailable. He was not picked for the Sri Lanka series. Follow India vs Sri Lanka Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
“If somebody does not want to play, the selection committee does not interfere, in the state matters. You can ask Hardik why he is not playing Ranji Trophy? We are seeing those who are playing Ranji Trophy and those who are performing. We are happy to see players playing Ranji Trophy and performing,” Chetan Sharma told in a virtual press conference.
IND vs SL Series: Chetan Sharma & team very upset & concerned about Hardik Pandya’s decision to skip RANJI Trophy this year
After every loss, India team management including skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid has emphasised the importance of Hardik Pandya as India’s lack of a finisher bogge the team down in South Africa. But to fix a persistent back injury, Hardik decided to take a break from cricket and focus on recovery. While he skipped the Ranji Trophy, he will make a comeback in the IPL with Gujarat Giants as the captain.
“Definitely, Hardik was an important part of the Indian team. After injuries, the situation is only when were are absolutely certain that he is 100% fit and bowling regularly, we will consider him,” Chetan Sharma said irked at the question by a reporter.
The 28-year-old, who received a lot of flak for not bowling during India’s dismal T20 World Cup campaign, hasn’t played red ball cricket since December 2018 and has often admitted that injuries have put a spanner on his prospects in the longest format of the game.
IND vs SL Series: What is up with Hardik Pandya?
- Hardik Pandya has resumed full practice ahead of IPL.
- Gujarat Titans’ coach Aashish Kapoor confirmed Hardik Pandya has returned to bowling action and has been bowling well in the nets.
- Hardik took a four-month break after T20 World Cup to focus on recovery.
- He made himself unavailable for India selection.
- Earlier, BCCI asked him to report to the NCA but he chose to ignore the advice and continued with his own rehabilitation program.
- BCCI President Sourav Ganguly also declared that Hardik will play Ranji Trophy.
- But he skipped the Ranji Trophy.
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IND vs SL Series: Chetan Sharma & team very upset & concerned about Hardik Pandya’s decision to skip RANJI Trophy this year
However, Hardik isn’t the only player to skip domestic cricket. In 2018, MS Dhoni was asked by then chairman of the selection committee MSK Prasad to play Vijay Hazare but he decided to give it a miss. More recently, Wriddhiman Saha has decided to skip Ranji Trophy after being told that he will not be considered for the Sri Lanka series. Ishant Sharma too skipped the 1st match for Delhi before a “change in heart” making himself available for the second match.
“All I can tell you is that he was told before and asked to play the Ranji trophy, which is the ladder for the Indian team. What we discussed between ourselves we can’t tell you. Why he did not play Ranji, the state association CAB can tell you that. That is not my jurisdiction. As selectors, we wanted them to play. It’s important to play Ranji. Else, how will we know if you are match-ready?” Chetan Sharma said of Wriddhiman Saha, sending clear message to the players to play Ranji Trophy to be available for selection.
IND vs SL Series: Chetan Sharma & team very upset & concerned about Hardik Pandya’s decision to skip RANJI Trophy this year
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