The upcoming T20I series between India and Sri Lanka is generating considerable excitement, particularly with the return of several members from India’s T20 World Cup-winning squad. Among these players, Hardik Pandya has been the most talked-about figure in the lead-up to the series. Initially poised to assume the T20I captaincy following Rohit Sharma’s anticipated retirement from the format, Hardik’s future leadership role has come into question due to concerns about his fitness. Consequently, the selectors have opted for Suryakumar Yadav as a potential captaincy option as India begins preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup. This decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the move and others expressing sympathy for Hardik.
Despite the off-field discussions, Hardik appeared in high spirits during India’s first practice session at the Pallekele International Stadium on Tuesday. The session marked the beginning of preparations for the three-match series. Hardik was seen engaging in an extensive conversation with the new head coach, Gautam Gambhir. Following this, he participated in a net session against the two openers, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who were instructed to aggressively attack all the bowlers within their 40-minute practice slot.
Hardik’s practice continued under the supervision of new assistant coach Abhishek Nayar, who later placed him in a match simulation scenario. During this simulation, Hardik hit a shot through the point region, claiming it to be a boundary. However, Nayar disagreed, asserting that a fielder was positioned in that area. When Hardik inquired about the exact placement of the fielder, Nayar pointed to the spot where a reporter, dressed in a red T-shirt, was standing. On Hardik’s insistence, Nayar asked the reporter’s opinion on the shot, to which the reporter humorously replied, “If you have placed your fielder here, then it’s a boundary.” This witty response elicited laughter from both Nayar and Hardik. Nayar initially mistook the reporter for a fan, but Hardik clarified the situation. Eventually, Hardik won the simulation practice and later continued his friendly conversation with the reporter at the end of the session, further discussing the shot.
The past few weeks have been challenging for Hardik, not only because of the captaincy issue but also due to his recent confirmation of divorce from his wife, Natasa Stankovic. Following the T20I series against Sri Lanka, Hardik is set to return home for personal reasons, leading to his absence from the subsequent ODI series. Despite these personal and professional hurdles, Hardik’s jovial demeanor during practice suggests his resilience and determination to focus on the upcoming matches.
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