‘Cannot come half-cooked’: Gambhir warns injured India star before ODI comeback
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized the importance of Hardik Pandya's game time before the ODI comeback, warning that the 32-year-old cannot go into the World Cup "half-cooked." After missing several matches due to back spasms and a quadriceps strain, Pandya has not been included in the squad for the upcoming three-match series against the West Indies, starting in Thiruvananthapuram.
The star all-rounder is also set to miss India's ODI series against Afghanistan and the Asian Games. Gambhir highlighted Pandya's unique skills, noting that few teams have a player who can bowl 10 overs, bat at number six or seven, and make an impact. However, he stressed that Pandya needs sufficient game time after the IPL, where he did not play much cricket.
Going into the World Cup, adequate game time is crucial, and Pandya should have a strong rhythm. The all-rounder is expected to play for India A during their One-Day series against Australia A in Puducherry between October 6 and 11.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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