"IPL Mein Comeback": Internet Breaks As Hardik Pandya Posts Training Video. Watch

02.01.2024 - 13:15 sports.ndtv.com

The fitness of Indian cricket team all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been the subject of a lot of speculation in the recent past.

Pandya was ruled out midway into the Cricket World Cup 2023 after suffering an ankle injury during the match against Bangladesh.

The injury meant that he also ended up missing the tour of South Africa and several reports suggested that he can even end up missing the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 along with his national team duties.

However, fans were handed a new year gift as the cricketer took to social media to share his gym session where he could be seen sweating it out.

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Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra opined that India can pick both all-rounders Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya in the squad for the much-awaited T20 World Cup, starting from June in the West Indies and in the United States of America. The 46-year-old asserted that the Dube reminds him of former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh as he attacks the bowler in the same way. He said that the 30-year-old should bat a little down the order for India.

With Special 'CSK' Remark, R Ashwin Settles Shivam Dube vs Hardik Pandya T20 World Cup Debate

Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been impressed by Shivam Dube's emergence, backing him for a place in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. During the recently-concluded T20I series against Afghanistan, Dube smashed half-centuries in back-to-back games to help India sweep the bilateral 3-0. He was also impressive with the bowl, despite taking just two wickets. Impressed with Dube's performance in the series, Ashwin feels the all-rounder can make a difference at the T20 World Cup in West Indies, where the conditions are similar to that of Chepauk.

"Even If Hardik Pandya Is Fit...": Rohan Gavaskar's Bold Shivam Dube T20 World Cup 2024 Remark

With Hardik Pandya still far from making a comeback, all-rounder Shivam Dube made a strong claim for a spot in India's T20 World Cup 2024 squad, smashing back-to-back half-centuries in the ongoing T20I series against Afghanistan. Dube's impressive show in the series has strengthened his case as the backup for injury-prone Hardik Pandya. But, the son of legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, Rohan, feels Dube is making sure that he is on the plane to South Africa for the T20 World Cup next year even if Hardik is fit.

"Farak Nahi Padta...": Mohammed Shami's Blunt Verdict On Hardik Pandya Leaving Gujarat Titans Ahead Of IPL 2024

The news of Hardik Pandya rejoining Mumbai Indians from Gujarat Titans ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season caused ripples in the cricket community. Hardik Pandya was the skipper of GT in the past two seasons and on both occasions, he led them to the final. The franchise won their maiden title in 2021 and the next year, they finished runners-up after losing to Chennai Super Kings in the final. However, Pandya completed a shocking trade to MI - his former team - ahead of the new season and India fast bowler Mohammed Shami had a clear verdict on the incident.

"Need To Have More Options": Yuvraj Singh's Blunt Take On Hardik Pandya's Captaincy

Legendary all-rounder Yuvraj Singh has highlighted the importance of Hardik Pandya in the Indian team. Hardik has been out of action due to an injury he suffered during a World Cup match against Bangladesh in October 2023. Despite admitting that Hardik is injury prone, Yuvraj feels the management should give him enough time to recover, saying that he is an important member of the team. With the T20 World Cup set to be held later this year after the Indian Premier League (IPL), Yuvraj feels that India should look at more options when it comes to captaincy.

Hardik Pandya vs Rohit Sharma Ego Clash Over Mumbai Indians Captaincy? Yuvraj Singh Says, "If They Have Issue..."

Hardik Pandya is set to captain five-time Indian Premier League champions Mumbai Indians in the upcoming season. He has replaced Rohit Sharma in the role. It is worth noting that Rohit-led Mumbai to the title on five occasions in the past and in IPL 2024, he will be playing under the leadership of Hardik. On any potential ego clash between the two players, former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh said: "When players play together these things happen. If they have an issue they should definitely sit and talk about it."