‘Why are we thinking about the negatives’- Rohit Sharma slams query on Hardik Pandya’s fitness ahead of England ODI series

Concerns over the fitness of all-rounder Hardik Pandya were allayed by India’s captain Rohit Sharma ahead of the first One-Day International between India and England in Nagpur on February 6. When questioned about the team’s preparations in the event that Pandya is hurt, Rohit said he would rather concentrate on the good than on potential setbacks.

The most prominent injury Pandya has ever experienced was an ankle injury he sustained at the 2023 ODI World Cup. He was eliminated from the tournament after only four games due to the setback, which altered the composition of India’s playing XI. Before losing to Australia in the summit match, India had a perfect record in the tournament despite his absence.

Pandya’s health has come under scrutiny once again as India’s pace attack faces several injury concerns, including Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy. Rohit questioned why the attention was on the negative aspects of Pandya’s absence and his fitness during a pre-match press conference.

“What is causing us to consider the negatives? This will happen, that will happen, that he will be hurt. There are ideas in the selectors’ thoughts that we also have. I am unable to express that here. There are, nevertheless, some things. When he was hurt, we were playing in the World Cup,” he remarked.

I refuse to consider the consequences of his injury: Rohit Sharma

A World Cup injury has prevented the all-rounder from playing an ODI for India. He had a dismal 2024 IPL comeback, as his team, the Mumbai Indians, finished last in the standings while he was captain.

“He sustained an injury in the third or fourth game. We played the entire tournament after that. Despite losing the final, we played excellent cricket up until that point. I won’t worry about what might happen if he gets hurt now. In the event that this occurs, what will have happened? You seem to be playing cricket well these days. Therefore, we’ll hope you continue to play well and nothing goes wrong,” the Indian captain continued.

But in the 2024 T20 World Cup, he made amends by being instrumental in the Men in Blue’s victory. Pandya put on all-around efforts, taking 11 wickets at an average of 18 and hitting 144 runs at an average of 48. His most memorable moment occurred during the final match against South Africa, when he bowled two of the final four overs, taking 3/20 and getting rid of set batsmen David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen. India narrowly prevailed by seven runs thanks to his valiant efforts.