BCCI rolls out 18-week plan to get Hardik Pandya fit ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 - Reports

Hardik Pandya is out of the game after injuring his ankle in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

In the aftermath of a devastating injury against Bangladesh during the ICC Cricket World 2023, sidelining Hardik Pandya from the tournament, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has embarked on an 18-week comprehensive fitness plan. This strategic approach is not merely about recovering from the recent setback but revolves around long-term goals and ensuring optimal endurance levels for the upcoming T20 World Cups in 2024 and 2026.

As men in blue dealt with the absence of their premier all-rounder, BCCI and National Cricket Academy (NCA) have refrained themselves from rushing Hardik Pandya back into action for immediate fixtures. The board’s decision demonstrates a commitment to workload management and emphasizes the necessity of setting long-term objectives. This approach underlines Pandya’s crucial role in the T20 format.

A close source told CRICKETNEXT, “We speak of workload management. This is precisely what it is all about. Is there a doubt on his ability as a T20 cricketer? No. What we rather need is setting long-term goals and ensuring endurance levels remain up to the mark,”  This shows the board’s philosophy, putting Hardik Pandya’s comeback in the context of a broader strategy.

Hardik Pandya’s road to recovery

Despite initial efforts to bring the all-rounder back for the crucial stages of the World Cup, the NCA and BCCI opted for a measured and comprehensive rehabilitation approach. This shift from a speedy recovery to a meticulous rehabilitation plan reflects the seriousness with which the cricket board views Pandya’s long-term fitness.

About Pandya’s overall fitness, insider clarified, “First let’s be clear. Pandya’s earlier injury (back) was completely different from the freak injury or say ‘accident’ he suffered during the Bangladesh game in Pune. There is no relation between the two and it would be unfair to say he wasn’t in top shape for the World Cup or to suggest that he is injury prone, He made a successful comeback from the back injury, has been in superb shape and it was just an unfortunate incident.”

The source even spoke about other players also going through a similar kind of program in their road to recovery. Source revealed, “It is not something new. Shreyas, Bumrah and KL underwent similar programmes during their long injury layoffs and the routine is designed keeping the next assignments in mind. Say for KL, wicket-keeping, subcontinent heat and everything was taken into account. Similarly, Bumrah was eased into cricket with Ireland T20Is before he went full throttle in the Asia Cup,” 

Hardik Pandya’s journey back to fitness is not just about healing from a recent injury but a testament to the BCCI’s commitment to long-term player well-being and performance excellence. The 18-week program, shaped by insights on workload management and the need for strategic rehabilitation, underscores the meticulous planning behind Pandya’s return.

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