Hardik Pandya’s fitness was confirmed as one of the key reasons for his loss to Suryakumar Yadav for the position of India’s T20I captain. Although he pulled out of the ODI series against Sri Lanka next month for personal reasons, selectors are allegedly concerned about his health, particularly his bowling, with the Champions Trophy coming up. Former India coach Ravi Shastri echoed similar concerns but believes the ball is now in Hardik’s court, as he discussed his future plans following the T20I captaincy snub.

In the most recent edition of The ICC Review, Shastri expressed his concern about Hardik’s bowling fitness but also provided useful suggestions to the all-rounder on how to make a comeback and even make the ODI squad for the Champions Trophy next year.

I think it’s very important that he continues to play, Shastri said. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well, the former cricketer added.

But then again, the bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he’ll play in one-day cricket as well, Shastri asserted.

So, I think it’s up to him, more than anything else. He understands his body better than anyone. And I’m sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should get him going, Shastri concluded.