Hardik Pandya’s injury issues have unfortunately derailed his promising career far too often. With the new IPL 2024 season around the corner, a key question lingers – will the star Indian all-rounder be fully fit to lead Mumbai Indians’ title charge? Let’s analyze Hardik’s fitness track record and recent injury concerns.
Pandya’s Checkered Injury History in Past IPL Seasons:
Hardik Pandya burst onto the IPL scene as an explosive batting all-rounder for Mumbai Indians. But frequent injuries have limited his availability, especially in recent seasons.
In IPL 2019, Pandya missed the second half due to a back injury that required surgery. His back troubles resurfaced in IPL 2020 when he bowled sparingly. Pandya missed the entire IPL 2021 season with a shoulder niggle. His recurring back issues in 2022 meant he couldn’t bowl and made little impact with the bat.
Over the years in IPL, Pandya has clearly struggled to keep up with the heavy workload as an all-format all-rounder. Unfortunately, his fitness remains fragile with a history of chronic back problems and other niggles.
Injury Cut Short His 2023 World Cup Campaign Too:
Hardik Pandya’s World Cup curse continued when he had to leave the 2023 campaign midway due to an ankle injury. After starring in India’s T20I series win over Australia preceding the World Cup, Pandya managed just five lackluster ODI appearances before being ruled out.
His ankle reportedly required surgery and Pandya went under the knife in September 2023. He was initially expected to resume training in November, leaving his availability for IPL 2024 in doubt.
Nature of Hardik’s Persistent Back Trouble
Hardik first sustained the back injury during the 2018 Asia Cup. He finally underwent surgery in October 2019 to treat an acute lower back injury. Doctors had to remove bone fragments from his back.
Unfortunately, this back trouble has repeatedly flared up and troubled Pandya ever since. He frequently complains of stiffness and soreness which affects his pace bowling. This chronic back issue remains an ominous concern heading into IPL 2024.
Mumbai Indians’ Big Gamble in Appointing Pandya as Captain
In a surprise decision, Mumbai Indians appointed the injury-prone Hardik Pandya as captain after releasing Rohit Sharma ahead of IPL 2024.
While Pandya has leadership experience, Rohit’s tactical acumen and stability will be sorely missed. Pandya’s long-standing fitness troubles also make this a risky call if he breaks down once again.
Fans were understandably apprehensive about Pandya’s appointment given his questionable availability record. MI lost around 200,000 Twitter followers within an hour of the announcement.
Will Pandya Regain Full Fitness for IPL 2024?
As per recent updates, Hardik Pandya is making steady progress in his rehabilitation after the ankle surgery in September 2023. But he is still some distance away from attaining full match fitness.
History suggests rushing Pandya back from injury has only aggravated his fitness issues. While MI will be desperate to have their new captain ready for IPL 2024, they also need to exercise caution.
If Pandya suffers a recurrence of back trouble or any other niggle during IPL 2024, it could derail MI’s season. After a poor show in IPL 2022, they cannot afford to lose their premier all-round match-winner once again.
Final Word:
Hardik Pandya’s tremendous talent with bat and ball makes him a game-changer, provided his injury-prone body cooperates. MI will hope their medical team can get the new skipper back to peak fitness before IPL 2024. If fully fit, Pandya can spearhead their quest for a record sixth IPL crown.