Hardik Pandya is straightforward about the fact that as a versatile cricketer with multiple skills, his workload is often double or even triple compared to that of a specialized batsman or bowler.
Pandya's impressive 87 significantly bolstered India's total of 266 in the rain-abandoned opening match against arch-rivals Pakistan in the Asia Cup.
Considering his career-threatening lower-back stress fracture that kept him out of international cricket for a significant duration, the Baroda player has made remarkable strides since being appointed India's T20 captain. He has also regained his ability to bowl at a brisk pace, further solidifying his resurgence.
"As an all-rounder, my workload is twice or thrice as anyone else. When a batter in the team goes and bats and finishes his batting and is heading home, I'll still be bowling after that," Pandya told 'Star Sports'.
"So for me, all the managing, all the pushing, and everything happens during the sessions or my training or my pre-camp season," he spoke about his workload management.
Rohit Sharma's deputy in ODIs, Hardik also said that he assesses the match circumstances before deciding whether to complete his entire allotment of 10 overs with the ball or not.
"When the game arrives, it is more about whatever the team requires, and the managing side goes out of the park, and it is more practical calls that how many overs are needed for me.
"Because if 10 overs are not needed, there is no point in me bowling 10 overs, but if 10 overs are needed, then I'll be bowling. I always believed that I give myself a chance to succeed, which is by reading the game, which is by backing myself," Hardik added.
"I have realised that no matter what happens, you have to back yourself, you have to believe that you are the best in the world. That does not guarantee you success, but at the same point of time, it does give you and it does guide you to work towards success, so practically back yourself."
(With agency inputs)
