IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya to skip Sri Lanka series? – Hardik Pandya is likely to miss the Sri Lanka T20I series as the all-rounder wants to make a comeback to cricket with the IPL 2022. The newly-appointed Ahmedabad franchise captain who took an indefinite break to recover from his back injury missed the New Zealand series, South Africa tour and the West Indies series. Hardik in an interview said that his plan is to make a comeback in the IPL and eventually make the T20 World Cup team. Follow IPL 2022 Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
“That’s the plan. My main aim is to be at my peak when the World Cup happens. All my training, planning, preparation is keeping the World Cup in mind. I want to win the World Cup for the country. It will make me really happy and proud. It is like an obsession with me. IPL will give me a very good preparatory platform for the World Cup but all the hard work ultimately is for the Indian team and the World Cup,” Hardik Pandya told Economic Times in an interview.
IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya eyes T20 World Cup, hints at skipping Sri Lanka series, declares, ‘Plan is to make comeback in IPL’
Hardik Pandya was dropped from the India squad following the T20 World Cup where he struggled with his back injury. After a clear message from the selectors, “regain full fitness and return to bowling”, Hardik decided to take some time off and informed the BCCI of his unavailability.
In the last four months, Hardik Pandya has worked on his fitness and gave time for the injury to heal. While the expectations were that Hardik will be back for the West Indies series, it hasn’t been the case. Instead, he has sets his eyes on IPL 2022 to make a return rather than the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in February-March.
IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya eyes T20 World Cup, hints at skipping Sri Lanka series, declares, ‘Plan is to make comeback in IPL’
“I have always pushed myself with my preparation keeping the team’s interest in mind. But this time I wanted some time off to prepare myself physically and mentally. I also wanted to take some time off for my family. We have spent a lot of time in bio bubbles, though everyone has tried to make us feel comfortable, staying in a bio bubble is very tough,” Hardik Pandya said.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has been appointed as the captain of the newly launched Ahmedabad franchise. After he was released from Mumbai Indians, it will be the first time Hardik will play for another franchise and will take up the captaincy role. The all-rounder said he will take lessons from MS Dhoni, under whom he flourished as a player.
IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya eyes T20 World Cup, hints at skipping Sri Lanka series, declares, ‘Plan is to make comeback in IPL’
A look at Team Ahmedabad’s Player Picks.
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“I have learnt a lot from all the captains that I have played under, especially Mahi bhai. The way he groomed me, the way he gave me a lot of freedom, he wanted me to make mistakes and learn. In First Class cricket you always have a senior guiding you. Most cricketers come to the Indian team with that culture,” Hardik Pandya said.
IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya eyes T20 World Cup, hints at skipping Sri Lanka series, declares, ‘Plan is to make comeback in IPL’
“When I came to the Indian team I thought MS Dhoni is there, everything will be looked after. I thought Mahi bhai will tell me where to bowl and all, but he never told me a lot. Later on I realised, it’s because he wanted me to learn on my own which will help me in having a prolonged career and prepare me for all situations. Mahi bhai wanted me to learn on my own but I always knew he was behind me, backing me up, making sure I get groomed,” he added.
IPL 2022: Hardik Pandya eyes T20 World Cup, hints at skipping Sri Lanka series, declares, ‘Plan is to make comeback in IPL’
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