IPL 2022: I'm a work in progress, focussing on controllables, says Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya says he is still a "work in progress" and is focussing on the "controllables" as he gears up to lead Gujarat Titans in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) beginning March 26. The 28-year-old has been battling fitness concerns ever since injuring his back in 2019 and didn't find a place in the Indian team for the last few series against New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka. "I was just spending time with family, working hard as always. (I'm) making sure I prepare well. For me, it was a time of self-realising a lot, think about what I want and what will work for me going forward; and I got the answers during this time,” Hardik said in a video posted on the IPL website.

There was a lot of buzz when Pandya was named the captain of the Gujarat Titans after he was not retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of the IPL mega auction in February. "I don't think it is going to be my comeback or I am focusing on it. For me, right now I just want to be in a positive mindset and I'm not looking way ahead. I am just focussing on things that are the controllables, which is looking after my body and making my team win," he said. "Eventually, if I do things right for Gujarat Titans in the IPL, then things will fall into places for future as well. I am just a work in progress right now but for me what will be important is that I will always be available for the players no matter what time and day. I want to give the players security and freedom."

Pandya, who has been demoted from Grade A to C in the BCCI central contracts, had recently undergone a general assessment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru where he bowled and also passed the 'Yo-Yo' Test comfortably. "I am looking forward to this