T20 World Cup: Hardik Pandya clears fitness test ahead of NZ clash

Dubai : All-rounder Hardik Pandya was seen bowling in nets for the first time in months during the training sessions in Dubai on Sunday. He cleared his fitness test just before the clash of New Zealand. He also underwent various fitness drills and ran long sprints under the watchful eyes of strength and conditioning coach Nick Webb and Soham Desai. Hardik’s fitness have raised the possibility of him returning to Team India’s playing 11 as an all-rounder for the crucial T20 World Cup 2021 match against New Zealand.

After losing the first game against Pakistan, India is in a must win situation to stay in the tournament. Hardik’s inability to bowl has disturbed the balance of the side. The 28-year-old all-rounder, who last rolled his arms over in the Sri Lanka series in July, did not bowl a single over in the UAE leg of the IPL for Mumbai Indians.

He had also hurt his shoulder while batting against Pakistan and did not take the field after India’s innings as he had to go for scans.

India chief coach Ravi Shastri and mentor Mahendra Singh Dhoni closely monitored Hardik’s progress.

(Image)