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As the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 approaches, just six weeks away, discussions surrounding Team India’s squad are intensifying. A key question looming over the selectors is whether all-rounder Hardik Pandya is fit enough to bowl a full quota of 10 overs in the tournament, which is often dubbed the “mini World Cup.”
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A Crucial Role in India’s ODI Setup
Pandya’s all-round skills have been instrumental in balancing the Indian side, particularly in ODIs. However, his fitness has been a lingering concern since he sustained an injury during the 2023 World Cup. To address doubts about his readiness, Pandya was asked to participate in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and prove his match fitness.
Hardik Pandya’s Performance in the Vijay Hazare Trophy
In the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024/25, Hardik represented Baroda and played three matches before the knockout stage. His bowling performance was steady, but his workload was notably limited to six or seven overs per game:
- Baroda vs Bengal: Bowled 7 overs, 1 wicket for 33 runs, economy 4.71.
- Baroda vs Madhya Pradesh: Bowled 7 overs, 1 wicket for 39 runs, economy 5.57.
- Baroda vs Delhi: Bowled 6 overs, 1 wicket for 28 runs, economy 4.66.
While these figures reflect consistency and control, they do not definitively answer whether Pandya can endure a 10-over spell in high-pressure international games.
Selectors’ Concerns About Pandya’s Fitness
The selection committee faces a challenging decision regarding Pandya’s inclusion. Although his recent performances have been solid, his limited bowling workload in domestic cricket indicates a cautious approach.
The selectors must weigh Pandya’s readiness alongside the fitness of other key players like Jasprit Bumrah, who also missed ODIs against Sri Lanka last July. They’ll also consider emerging batting talents such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tilak Varma while striving to maintain team stability despite India’s patchy ODI form in recent months.
A Race Against Time
Hardik Pandya’s ability to bowl 10 overs in the Champions Trophy remains uncertain. His inclusion in the squad will likely depend on the selectors’ confidence in his fitness and ability to withstand the demands of international cricket.
With the clock ticking, the coming weeks will be critical for Pandya to prove he is ready to shoulder the responsibilities of an all-rounder at the highest level. The Champions Trophy may yet see him emerge as a pivotal figure in India’s campaign, provided he can demonstrate his match readiness convincingly.
