Former India coach Ravi Shastri has emphasized the importance of fitness for all-rounder Hardik Pandya, advising him to enhance his physical conditioning to secure a regular spot in the One-Day International (ODI) team.
Shastri, who coached India from 2017 to 2021, believes that Pandya’s recent success in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he played a pivotal role in India’s triumph, should serve as a motivation to reach peak fitness.
“Hardik Pandya has shown glimpses of his exceptional talent, but to become a consistent performer in ODIs, he needs to focus on his fitness,” Shastri said in an interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Shastri stressed that Pandya should prioritize match fitness by participating in as many T20I matches as possible. “The more he plays, the better he’ll become. If he can maintain his fitness levels, he’ll be an asset to the team in both T20Is and ODIs,” he added.
The former coach also highlighted the significance of Pandya’s bowling, stating that he needs to consistently deliver with the ball, bowling 8-10 overs per game, to become a regular member of the ODI team.
Pandya, who is currently leading India in the T20I series against Sri Lanka, has already demonstrated his all-round capabilities, claiming crucial wickets and scoring vital runs. Shastri’s advice is likely to push him to work even harder on his fitness, aiming to become an indispensable player for India in all formats.
With the ODI World Cup 2025 on the horizon, Pandya’s improvement in fitness could be a game-changer for India’s chances in the tournament.
