Hardik Pandya increased the pace of his training, clear message from selectors is to bowl full 10 overs

News India Live, Digital Desk: Hardik Pandya, one of the best all-rounders in Indian cricket, has changed a big gear regarding his fitness and bowling workload. Keeping in mind the ODI World Cup to be held in the year 2027, BCCI and the selectors have given a strong but clear message to Hardik. The team management wants Hardik to not just remain a ‘part-time’ bowler, but to be ready to bowl his quota of 10 overs as the main fast bowler. Workload Management and New Training Strategy: Hardik has already started sweating for the preparations for the 2027 World Cup to be held in South Africa and Zimbabwe. According to sources, Hardik has increased his bowling workload by 30%. Now he is not only spending more time in the nets, but is also paying special attention to his speed and length. After being ruled out of the shorter format tournaments of 2023 and 2026 due to injury, Hardik is now preparing his body for long spells. Selectors’ condition: ‘Show fitness, get a place’ The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has made it clear to Hardik that his place in the ODI format will be confirmed only if he is able to bowl consistently. Competition has increased with the arrival of emerging all-rounders like Shivam Dubey and Nitish Kumar Reddy in the team. In such a situation, Hardik will have to sharpen his bowling to prove his usefulness. The management believes that if a player like Hardik bowls 10 overs, then Team India gets the freedom to field an additional specialist batsman. Support for IPL 2026 and domestic cricket: Hardik Pandya is currently captaining Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026, where he is using himself as the main bowler. He has proved his match fitness by bowling in the powerplay and death overs in the last few matches. Along with this, there are reports that he may also take part in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy and some red-ball cricket matches so that his muscles can get used to staying on the field for a long time. Special preparation for South African conditions The 2027 World Cup is to be played on the fast and bouncy pitches of South Africa. There the role of a seam bowling all-rounder is most important. Keeping this in mind, Hardik is working on his ‘short pitch’ balls and slower ones. If Hardik maintains his fitness and completes the quota of 10 overs, he can prove to be India’s biggest match-winner in 2027.