In a display of individual commitment mirroring senior teammate Virat Kohli's famed work ethic, India's premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya took to the nets a day early in Cuttack. Pandya conducted a solo training session on Sunday evening at the Barabati Stadium, aiming to get accustomed to the conditions before the full squad assembles for Monday's official practice ahead of the T20I series opener against South Africa on Tuesday.
Following Kohli's Blueprint for Success
This proactive move by Hardik Pandya is reminiscent of Virat Kohli's early preparation in Ranchi before the ODI series opener just a week prior. Pandya, who arrived in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, made his way to the Cuttack stadium for an unofficial, behind-closed-doors session. His initiative underscores a focused approach to the upcoming five-match T20I contest against the Proteas.
Proving Fitness and Form After Injury
The session held significant importance as it was a key test for Pandya's match fitness. The 32-year-old pace-bowling all-rounder last played during the Asia Cup, where he suffered a left quadricep injury. However, he has since demonstrated his recovery by playing a couple of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches for Baroda. He emphatically proved his readiness with a blistering 77-run knock against Punjab in the SMAT last week.
Under the supervision of two BCCI support staff members, Pandya underwent an elaborate warm-up routine involving stretching and running drills. According to sources, his dedicated session included approximately 20 minutes of bowling, followed by a 20-minute massage, and then another 20 minutes of batting in the nets. While there were some signs of visible discomfort during his bowling stint, he reportedly looked in excellent touch with the bat, dispatching local net bowlers to all parts of the ground and even into the stands.
Final Preparations Before the Series Opener
With Pandya's personal acclimatisation complete, the focus now shifts to the team's final collective preparation. Both the Indian and South African teams are scheduled for full-fledged practice sessions at the venue on Monday. These sessions will be crucial for fine-tuning strategies before the first T20I kicks off the series on Tuesday. Pandya's early hustle sets a determined tone for the Indian camp as they look to start the home series on a strong note.
