ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Team India has back-up plans for Hardik Pandya?

As India prepares for the first ODI against England in Nagpur on February 6, skipper Rohit Sharma has dismissed concerns about all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s fitness. When asked about the potential impact of an injury to Pandya, Rohit emphasized his preference for focusing on the positives rather than worrying about hypothetical situations. Pandya, who has been an essential part of India’s white-ball setup, has struggled with injuries in the past. The most significant of these was the ankle injury he sustained during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The injury ruled him out of the tournament after just four matches, which disrupted the balance of India’s playing XI. Despite his absence, the Indian team maintained an unbeaten run throughout the tournament until the final, where they faced a loss to Australia.

Hardik Pandya will be the X-factor for India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Pandya’s role in the team is crucial due to his ability to contribute with both the bat and ball. However, his injury history has always been a concern for the team management. Rohit’s comments indicate a strong belief in Pandya's ability to stay fit and continue playing a pivotal role in the upcoming series and beyond. India will be hoping that Pandya can stay injury-free, as his all-round skills are key to the team’s balance, especially in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy 2025.

Concerns over Hardik Pandya's fitness have resurfaced as India grapples with multiple injury issues, particularly regarding their pace attack and the availability of Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming Champions Trophy. During a pre-match press conference ahead of the first ODI against England, when Rohit Sharma was asked about Pandya's fitness and the potential consequences of his absence, he quickly addressed the issue. Instead of focusing on the negative possibilities, Rohit emphasized the importance of staying positive. He expressed his preference for concentrating on the strengths of the team rather than worrying about hypothetical setbacks.

Pandya, who has been a crucial all-rounder for India, has faced injury problems in the past, notably during the 2023 ODI World Cup when he was sidelined with an ankle injury after just four matches. Despite his absence, India maintained an undefeated record throughout the tournament, though they ultimately lost to Australia in the final. With India facing other fitness concerns, including Bumrah’s availability for the Champions Trophy, Rohit's comments reflect a desire to stay optimistic and keep the team’s focus on their strengths rather than the uncertainty surrounding injuries.

"Why are we thinking about the negatives? That he will get injured, this will happen, that will happen. In the minds of the selectors, there are things in our minds. I can’t say that here. But there are things. We played the World Cup when he got injured," stated Indian captain Rohit Sharma in the press conference. 

Since his injury during the 2023 ODI World Cup, Hardik Pandya has not featured in an ODI for India. His return to action in the 2024 IPL was far from ideal, as he struggled to find his form. Leading the Mumbai Indians as captain, Pandya faced numerous challenges, and despite his efforts, the team finished at the bottom of the table. The Mumbai Indians, who have been one of the most successful franchises in IPL history, endured a disappointing season, which further raised concerns about Pandya's fitness and performance.

His struggles in the IPL added to the uncertainty surrounding his return to international cricket, especially with the upcoming Champions Trophy in 2025. Despite the setbacks, Pandya remains a vital player for India due to his all-round capabilities. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball makes him a key asset, but his fitness and form will be critical for India’s plans moving forward. As he continues his rehabilitation and recovery, there is hope that he will regain his sharpness and be ready to make a significant impact in the upcoming international fixtures.

"He got injured in the 3rd or 4th match. After that, we played the whole tournament. Although we lost the final, but we played good cricket till the final. So now, I won’t think about what will happen if he gets injured. What will happen if this happens, what will happen if that happens? I think, you are playing good cricket now. So we will hope that you keep playing good cricket and nothing happens," Rohit added.

Hardik Pandya made a spectacular comeback during the 2024 T20 World Cup, playing a pivotal role in India's title-winning campaign. His all-round brilliance was on full display throughout the tournament, as he contributed both with the bat and the ball. Pandya scored 144 runs at an impressive average of 48, showcasing his ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed. In addition, he claimed 11 wickets at an average of 18, proving himself as a valuable asset in the bowling department.

Pandya's most iconic moment came in the final against South Africa, where his composure and skill under pressure were critical. With the match hanging in the balance, he bowled two crucial overs in the final four, taking 3/20. He dismissed the dangerous Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, breaking the backbone of South Africa's chase. His heroics with the ball helped India secure a narrow seven-run victory, solidifying his reputation as one of the best all-rounders in the world. Pandya's performances in the T20 World Cup were a timely reminder of his immense value to the Indian team, and his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most.