Published 21:33 IST, September 7th 2019
Hardik Pandya shows off explosive batting in nets, awaits return
Hardik Pandya was seen sweating it out in the nets ahead of the upcoming series against South Africa. Pandya has been named in the squad for three-match T20Is.
Advertisement
Hardik Pandya will be back in action for the upcoming T20I home series against South Africa starting from September 15. Pandya was rested from the recently concluded West Indies tour and where India had a successful outing as they whitewashed the Caribbeans in all the formats (3-0 in T20Is, 2-0 in ODI's and 3-0 in Tests). Team India not only retained the top spot in Tests but also started their ICC World Test Championship on a high as they registered comprehensive wins by margins of 318 and 257 runs respectively. India are now at the summit of the World Test Championship table with 120 points. It seems that Hardik Pandya is fit and raring to go after a much-deserved break as he was seen sweating it out in the nets.
Advertisement
Hardik Pandya sweats it out in the nets
Hardik Pandya had a long break after India's heartbreaking World Cup semi-final exit. But now, he is back in business as he had not only hit the nets but was also seen sweating in the nets as the 25-year-old was preparing for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa where he has been named in the squad and India will be hoping for some incredible performances from the youngster with the bat, ball and on the field. A video of Hardik Pandya was posted where he is seen batting aggressively in the nets. At the same time, the all-rounder can also be seen Mahendra Singh Dhoni's signature helicopter shot. The video of this net session was posted by Hardik Pandya on social media where he wrote that his solid session in the nets had started and that he could not wait to join up with the boys. Watch the video here:
Advertisement
Hardik Pandya's adventures during the long break
Hardik Pandya had last played for India in the semi-final of World Cup 2019 against New Zealand where he had lost his wicket after he was well-set in the middle as India were reduced to 92/6 in their run-chase of 240. During his break, Hardik was seen synchronizing the tunes of the famous Tamil song 'Why This Kolaveri Di?' along with elder brother Krunal Pandya. Hardik and Krunal were then seen driving a Lamborghini Huracan Evo in Mumbai. The all-rounder also congratulated his teammates on completing a series sweep during the tour of the West Indies.
Advertisement
South Africa tour of India
India will be hosting South Africa in a three-match T20I series which will be followed by a three-match Test series starting from October 2. The biggest surprise about the T20I squad was that of MS Dhoni's exclusion. Dhoni had voluntarily backed out of the West Indies tour as he wanted to train with the Indian Army. Even Rishabh Pant's inclusion in the squad is being challenged with another worthy competitor - Wriddhaman Saha with many former cricketers voicing their opinion to give Saha an opportunity.
Advertisement
20:22 IST, September 7th 2019