Hardik will lead Gujarat Titans in the IPL.
All-rounder Hardik Pandya has cleared the fitness test ahead of the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He will now lead the Gujarat Titans, one of the two new teams in the cash-rich league. It has also been reported that Hardik bowled during the test while also clearing the yo-yo test comfortably.
The BCCI had organized a camp for the white-ball cricketers to keep a check on their fitness with a lot of cricket set to be played later this year. Hardik Pandya had just joined the camp after attending a Gujarat Titans even in Ahmedabad and all eyes were on his fitness ahead of the IPL. He has cleared the test now and if he plays the entire IPL season without an injury, the all-rounder will most likely make a comeback into the Indian team.
“Let’s make it clear. Fitness test clearance is only for those who are coming back from injury. In the case of Hardik, it was about getting a general fitness assessment going into the grueling IPL season. He is an asset and one needed to check his current fitness standards,” a BCCI source said according to New Indian Express.
Hardik Pandya crossed the yo-yo test with a 17+ score
It has also been understood that the medical team at the NCA didn’t even mandate to bowl him during his fitness assessment. But Hardik Pandya insisted on showing his improvement in fitness as an all-rounder and bowled in the range of around 135 kmph. He also cleared the yo-yo test with a score of more than 17.
“He didn’t need to bowl at NCA but he has bowled for a considerable time and in the range of 135 kmph. On the second day, he crossed the Yo-Yo test with flying colors with a 17-plus score which is much above the cut-off level,” the BCCI source added.
Hardik Pandya last played for India during the T20 World Cup last year and was working on his fitness since then. It remains to be seen if he can stay fit during the entire IPL season now.
