After a short injury layoff, India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya is back in full action ahead of the T20I series against South Africa. Pandya, who had last played during the Asia Cup before suffering a quadriceps injury, proved his match readiness by scoring 77 for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
On Sunday, the 32-year-old was seen training solo at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack, performing an elaborate warm-up with stretching, running drills, and full-tilt bowling. Despite feeling slight discomfort while bowling, Pandya completed a rigorous 20-minute bowling session followed by a massage.
His batting practice reflected the form he showcased in the SMAT matches.
Pandya arrived in Cuttack on Saturday, ahead of the Indian team, which is still trickling in from Vizag. Support staff members Nuwan and Dayanand Garani assisted him during training. The team will have their final practice session on Monday, while South Africa is expected to train later in the evening.
India aims to continue their dominance after a 1-2 ODI win against the Proteas and bounce back following the 0-2 Test series loss. The first T20I between the sides is scheduled for December 9.
Indian Squad for T20Is vs South Africa:
Suryakumar Yadav (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-Captain), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar.
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