• sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 03/01/2024
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The exclusion of Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan from the BCCI’s annual central contracts raised eyebrows, especially considering their prowess with the bat. However, while they faced consequences for not adhering to the board’s directives, all-rounder Hardik Pandya secured a Grade A contract despite primarily playing white-ball cricket. Let’s delve into how Pandya avoided the fate of his counterparts.

Hardik Pandya’s Unique Circumstances

Unlike Iyer and Kishan, Pandya’s contract situation is influenced by his role as a white-ball specialist for Team India. Given his inability to bowl in red-ball cricket for medical reasons, playing in the Ranji Trophy was deemed impractical for Pandya.

Pandya’s commitment to representing Baroda in domestic white-ball tournaments significantly secured his Grade A contract. Despite his limitations in red-ball cricket, Pandya pledged to participate in tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s and Vijay Hazare Trophy whenever he is not on national duty.

The BCCI’s assessment, in consultation with its medical team, determined that Pandya’s focus on white-ball cricket aligns with his current physical condition. As a result, his contract status was not jeopardised, provided he fulfilled his commitment to domestic white-ball tournaments.

Pandya’s Road to Recovery

Pandya’s recent appearances in the DY Patil tournament and individual training sessions indicate his gradual return to competitive cricket after recovering from an ankle injury. Despite his absence from the international scene since the 2023 World Cup, Pandya remains focused on regaining full fitness and contributing to the Mumbai Indians franchise in the upcoming IPL season.

While Pandya continues his rehabilitation and training, his progress is closely monitored at the National Cricket Academy (NCA). This ensures he receives the necessary support and medical attention to expedite his return to peak performance.

As Pandya strives to regain his bowling prowess and overall fitness, his commitment to domestic white-ball tournaments underscores his dedication to continuous improvement. With his Grade A contract secured, Pandya looks forward to making significant contributions on the field, domestically and internationally, in the foreseeable future.