"Not for IPL.." Hardik Pandya reveals why he took 5-month break for recovery

Hardik Pandya has been out of action since injuring his ankle during ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.

All-rounder Hardik Pandya will be in the same role but for a different side in the upcoming season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024). Pandya made a move from Gujarat Titans (GT) to his old franchise Mumbai Indians (MI) in an all-cash trade deal before IPL 2024 mini auction. Following his return, Pandya was appointed as captain of the side replacing five-time IPL-winning captain Rohit Sharma.

Hardik Pandya was away from cricketing action for the last five months. He sustained an ankle injury during India’s group stage match against Bangladesh in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Pandya had an awkward fall while attempting to stop one of Liton Das’ drive, which ruled out him out of action. Pandya was away from action for a good amount of time, which also raised questions over his motivation to play for India.

However, Hardik Pandya recently revealed details on his break from the game. In a chat with IPL’s official broadcasters, Star Sprots, Pandya said that the reason for taking a big break was not because of IPL, but it was for creating a better version of himself. Pandya will walk out as captain of MI against his previous franchise GT at the Narendra Modi International Cricket Stadium on 23rd March.

Hardik Pandya said, “It is such a beautiful thing. I am so much aware of my body because of it. I had never tried it before in my life. My point is always simple – If I go out, what is the point of coming back as the same Hardik? I have to come up with a better version of myself. And my reason for taking this long break was not IPL. It is just one part of it.”

Hardik Pandya also expressed that he treats World Cup as his little child. Pandya expressed, “Post IPL, there is a bigger baby which is coming again, the World Cup. And I treat World Cups as my child. As many times as I can try and make sure that get them back I’ll try. And this entire period of preparation is that if the end goal is to play the T20 World Cup at the best capacity and be the best version of myself.”

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