(Watch) Hardik Pandya sweats hard out at gym.
Ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya is making a strong comeback to rigorous training in the gym following an ankle injury sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Hardik, known for his prowess as both a batsman and bowler, suffered a left ankle injury in his bowling follow-through against Bangladesh, forcing him to withdraw from the remainder of the ODI World Cup and miss the entire South African tour. Despite being excluded from the squad for the upcoming three-match home T20I series against Afghanistan, the 30-year-old is expected to make a return for the upcoming IPL season.
Taking to his Instagram account, Hardik shared a video of his intense workout session with the motivational caption: “Only one direction to go, forward.”
Hardik’s absence was notable during the latter stages of the World Cup, particularly in the final, where India lacked a sixth bowling option. In the absence of Hardik, Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne took advantage, putting together a formidable partnership of 192 runs for the fourth wicket after Australia found themselves at 47/3 in pursuit of a target of 241.
Renowned for his ability to break partnerships and dismiss batters with his bowling skills, Hardik played only three full matches in the World Cup, contributing with five wickets before suffering the ankle injury in his opening over of the fourth game against Bangladesh.