Hardik Pandya details ruthless ‘army’ fitness grind: ‘Need extra hard work’
Hardik Pandya opened up about the secret behind his peak fitness and formidable body, revealing a regimen he compares to an army routine.
Hardik Pandya made a strong statement on the T20 World Cup stage with a brilliant all-round performance against Namibia. While the opposition may be lower-ranked, scoring 52 runs and picking up two wickets in a World Cup game is no small feat. This display will surely boost his confidence ahead of the high-stakes clash against arch-rivals Pakistan. Hardik showed no signs of rustiness, looking completely fit as he smashed four sixes and four fours to maintain the momentum. With the ball, he completed his full quota of overs, taking two wickets for 21 runs and was named Player of the Match for his all-round show.
Hardik opened up about the secret behind his peak fitness and formidable body, revealing a regimen he compares to an army routine. He emphasised the discipline, hard work, and dedication that go behind the scenes, which keep him in top shape and ready for the biggest tournaments.
"Body has been fantastic. I've always mentioned it takes a lot of hard work, which I cherish. But, you know, playing for the country has always been a pride, always been my number one priority. It does need extra hard work, which I do. A lot of work goes behind the scenes where I'm kind of out and kind of go into the army, army sort of a camp where I do morning and evening sessions, which kind of keeps me going. And whenever I come, just before a big series or a big tournament, I kind of give myself a month or something to go and do kind of those routines, make sure I eat well, make sure I sleep well, make sure my habits are good. And you know, it always gives me a great rhythm. And at the same point in time, the body gives me immense support while playing," Hardik said in the post-match presentation.
Hardik Pandya all praise for India's bowling attack
The Indian bowlers delivered a strong collective performance to bowl out Namibia for 116. Varun Chakaravarthy led the attack with three wickets, while Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya chipped in with two apiece. Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shivam Dube also contributed with a wicket each.
Hardik highlighted the team’s bowling strength, praising its variety and balance. He pointed out how both the fast bowlers and spinners have delivered consistently, adapting to conditions and stepping up whenever needed, making the bowling unit a key asset for the team.
"I think that's the team's strength. We have a lot of options. We have fast bowling covered, we have spin covered. There are days when fast bowlers will come in the party when the wicket offers. And at the same point of time, spinners that have been in the middle have been fantastic. Varun, Axar, Kuldeep, whenever he's got opportunity. I think they've been fantastic. At the same point in time, whenever the fast bowlers get an opportunity, they've been fantastic. And I think they have done a tremendous job," he added.