Hardik Pandya is carefully managing his bowling workload as he prepares for a key role in India’s campaign for the 2027 Cricket World Cup.
The all-rounder has been missing a few practice sessions with Mumbai Indians during the current season of the Indian Premier League. This decision is part of a planned effort to protect his fitness and gradually build his ability to bowl a full quota of 10 overs in ODI cricket.
Even with this careful approach, Pandya continues to lead Mumbai Indians and remains an important player for the team.
Why Hardik Pandya Is Skipping Some Training Sessions
Pandya has not been attending every afternoon practice session with Mumbai Indians. The move is seen as a strategy to manage his workload while focusing on his bowling fitness.
The plan is designed to help him return to bowling consistently in ODI cricket without putting too much strain on his body.
Key reasons behind this approach:
| Reason | Details |
|---|---|
| Workload management | Avoid overuse injuries during the IPL season |
| Bowling preparation | Build stamina to bowl full 10 overs in ODIs |
| Long-term planning | Focus on India’s preparation for the 2027 World Cup |
| Fitness protection | Ensure body remains strong throughout the season |
This cautious training method allows Pandya to balance IPL duties with international goals.
Focus on India’s ODI Plans
Pandya has already achieved major success with India in T20 cricket. Now his focus is on playing a major role in the ODI team.
The Indian team management sees him as an important all-rounder who can provide balance with both bat and ball.
However, one condition has been important for his selection in ODIs: the ability to bowl his full 10 overs when required.
Earlier, Pandya was not selected for an ODI series against New Zealand national cricket team because he had not yet proven that he could bowl the full quota.
Later, he bowled 10 overs for Baroda cricket team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. That performance showed progress toward full match readiness.
Why Bowling 10 Overs Is Important
India’s selectors want Pandya to be capable of bowling a complete spell if required during the World Cup.
The tournament is scheduled to take place in South Africa, where pitches often help fast bowlers.
Even if Pandya does not bowl all 10 overs in every match, the team wants him to be prepared to deliver them when needed.
Typical workload expectations for Pandya in ODIs:
| Match Situation | Expected Overs |
|---|---|
| Normal match situation | 6–7 overs |
| Team needs extra bowling option | Up to 10 overs |
| Difficult pitch conditions | May bowl longer spells |
Having this flexibility makes Pandya extremely valuable in India’s lineup.
Also See : Yuvraj Singh Questions Abhishek Sharma Captaincy Snub at SRH in IPL 2026
Possible Support from Another All-Rounder
Selectors are also exploring additional seam-bowling all-rounders to support Pandya.
One player being discussed is Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has increased his bowling workload in domestic cricket.
If India includes another seam-bowling all-rounder, it could help manage Pandya’s workload and strengthen the bowling attack.
Training at the Centre of Excellence
Pandya has been working on his fitness and bowling at the national Centre of Excellence.
His focus areas include:
| Training Focus | Objective |
|---|---|
| Fitness conditioning | Improve endurance and prevent injuries |
| Bowling rhythm | Maintain pace while improving control |
| In-swing deliveries | Develop new-ball bowling ability |
| Workload balance | Prepare for long spells in ODI cricket |
These training sessions are aimed at preparing him for both IPL matches and India’s long-term international plans.
India’s planning for the 2027 World Cup will become clearer after the IPL season ends.
Selectors and team management will closely monitor Pandya’s bowling fitness during this period.
Key expectations for the coming months:
- Continue building bowling workload
- Maintain fitness through IPL and international matches
- Prove ability to bowl 10 overs consistently
If Pandya remains fit and in form, he could play a crucial role in India’s ODI World Cup campaign.
Conclusion
Hardik Pandya is balancing his responsibilities as Mumbai Indians captain while preparing for a bigger challenge with India.
By managing his training sessions and gradually increasing his bowling workload, he is aiming to become a reliable all-rounder who can bowl the full 10 overs when required.
As the 2027 World Cup approaches, his fitness and bowling progress will remain an important factor in India’s plans.
