Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been noticeably absent from Mumbai Indians’ practice sessions. As per TOI report, this has been considered a conservative approach by the all-rounder to prepare for India’s full quota of overs in the 2027 World Cup.
Hardik Pandya has been appointed captain of Mumbai Indians for the third consecutive season after leading the franchise to the playoffs of the competition. However, the experienced all-rounder has been absent from the training sessions.
The Mumbai Indians captain has won two T20 World Cups with India and has played a tremendous role in the team’s success in both the tournaments. He is preparing for a successful 50-over competition and will look to prepare himself to make significant contributions.
Hardik Pandya working hard to regain his ODI spot ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup
In the ongoing IPL season, Hardik Pandya has been absent from Mumbai Indians’ afternoon training session ahead of the upcoming clash against Delhi Capitals. He does not want to put further strain on his injured body as he is also gearing up for the ICC World Cup 2027.
Apart from planning a successful campaign for the five-time IPL champions, Hardik is fighting another battle, and that is to prove his credibility to the national selectors. TOI sources have confirmed that he has been working overtime for the last four months trying to convince the selectors that he is ready to bowl his full 10 overs.
India’s preparations for the ICC World Cup 2027 will be in full swing soon after the IPL ends in May 2026.
“Hardik is expected to play a bigger role in the ODI setup,” the BCCI confirmed.
The last time India picked the ODI team for the home series against New Zealand, Hardik was not selected. At the time, Devjit Saikia had argued that Pandya was not given clearance to bowl his full quota of 10 overs.
However, the discrepancy became apparent when the all-rounder bowled his 10 overs for Baroda in the Vijay Hazare Trophy a few days after the announcement. TOI reported that Hardik Pandya had reached out to the Indian selectors, but they asked him to focus on his availability to bowl 10 overs ahead of the World Cup next year.
A BCCI source told TOI, “Hardik is expected to play a big role in the ODI setup as the World Cup will be played on fast and bouncy pitches in South Africa. He can provide the right balance. But he will have to convince the selectors and the team management that he will be available to bowl 10 overs. He will not be required to do so in every match. The captain can make him bowl 6-7 overs in most of the matches. But if the captain needs more from him If so, they should be available.”
BCCI speculations also claim that the Indian team will consider a second seam-bowling all-rounder in the form of Nitish Kumar Reddy, as the World Cup is to be played in South Africa.
“The selectors are also considering other seam-bowling options. Nitish Kumar Reddy has increased his bowling workload in domestic cricket as well,” the source said.
Hardik Pandya is working hard on his workload
Times of India has reported that Hardik Pandya, who has been battling injuries and has been ruled out of ICC tournaments on previous occasions, has been training hard in the CoE. The all-rounder was ruled out of the last World Cup in 2023.
“Hardik is increasing his workload. He has also worked on his action to bowl in-swingers without compromising on pace. That is why he has been handed the responsibility of bowling with the new ball in T20s.
“He feels his body is ready to face the rigors of bowling 10 overs in ODIs. He understands his body well and is working towards staying fit to bowl 10 overs,” the source claimed.
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