‘Army-like camp’: Hardik Pandya credits intense preparation after match-winning all-round show

NEW DELHI: India’s ace all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Thursday said his preparation for major tournaments resembles an army-style camp, involving intense physical routines and strict discipline to ensure he performs at his best for the country.

Pandya produced a fine all-round effort to steer India to a commanding win over Namibia in their T20 World Cup clash here.

“Body has been fantastic, it takes a lot of hard work which I cherish. Playing for the country is the No. 1 priority. I do an army-like camp a month before the tournament,” said Pandya, who was named Player of the Match for his all-round display.

He struck a fluent 52 off 28 balls and also claimed two wickets, providing momentum through the middle overs and playing a decisive role in India’s emphatic 93-run victory.

Pandya attributed his showing to the hard yards put in before the World Cup, adding that he always takes pride in his batting and when things click, it feels like “adding sugar to the cake”.

“Just enjoying the sport, had a good couple of months to prepare. Touchwood, everything is going well. I’ve always taken pride as a batter. When it comes off, it adds more sugar to the cake,” said Pandya.

depth in Indian attack

He said India has a well-rounded squad with plenty of options across departments.

“We have a lot of options, pacers and spin covered. Varun (Chakravarthy), Axar (Patel) and Kuldeep (Yadav) too. They’ve done a tremendous job.”

Pandya, however, admitted he would prefer flatter, more batting-friendly pitches that allow players to express themselves better.

“Two back-to-back pitches haven’t been batting-friendly, wicket was holding a bit today. You just adapt and let your skill-set work. We’d like a little more flatter wickets,” he opined.

Captains weigh in on conditions

India captain Suryakumar Yadav said batting wasn’t easy, though openers Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson adjusted well.

“Pretty good game, tough pitch to bat on. Ishan, Samson made it look easier. Ball was stopping a bit, but not taking credit away from Namibia’s bowlers. After 6-7 overs, we thought we might go over 240 but cricket is a leveller.

“We had a great finish. Big plus (to) see Bumrah bowl all four (overs). Varun bowls well in partnership with Axar. Hardik bowls wherever needed and gives a big boost with bat. Every game is important, we started a bit scratchy but we are on the road,” he added.

Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus felt India might struggle while bowling second due to the dew, but Varun Chakravarthy’s spell turned the game decisively.

“After the powerplay, we thought dew might make bowling tough and we had a chance. But that spell from Varun broke the back of our chase. (JJ) Smit’s spell was good, that’s the kind of specialization we want.

“We aren’t playing at our 100 per cent. We have a lot of firepower but aren’t laying a foundation. Quality of India’s bowling showed, overs 6-10 broke the back,” said Erasmus.