Match fitness is very important: Ravi

Hardik understands his body better than anyone: Ravi

Hardik shouldn't need any motivation: Ravi

Indian all rounder Hardik Pandya who is seemingly out of contention for the post of the captain has opted out of being part of the ODI series against Sri Lanka which is scheduled after the ongoing T-20 series. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri had some advice for Hardik Pandya amidst the setbacks he has faced this year. “I think it’s very important that he continues to play. I believe match fitness is very important. So whatever T20I cricket there is, he should play as much as he can. And if he feels strong and fit, then obviously he comes into the side for the one-day game as well. But then again, bowling becomes important. If you have someone coming and bowling just three overs in, where you have to bowl 10 in a one-day game, then the balance of the side takes a hit. If you can bowl consistently eight to 10 overs every game and then bat the way he does, I think he’ll play in one-day cricket as well,” Ravi said on The ICC Review Show. 

Also Read: I always felt that if I gave any answer, it would be through sports: Hardik Pandya

Hardik has also had to deal with issues on the personal front as he announced his separation from his wife Natasa Stankovic. However there are not many contenders to fill in the space of a fast bowling allrounder in the Indian squad. “He understands his body better than anyone. And I’m sure, this will inspire him, especially with the way he did in the World Cup, the way he performed at the right times for India and the World Cup, so that should really get him going. He shouldn’t need any motivation to get his fitness right at the top there,” Ravi added.