In a recent wave of criticism, Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has come under fire for his prolonged absence from domestic cricket. Former Baroda coach Dav Whatmore has been particularly vocal, questioning Pandya’s commitment to his state team and his designation as an all-rounder from Baroda.

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Overview of Criticism

Whatmore, who coached Baroda in the past, expressed his frustration over Pandya’s minimal participation in domestic matches. “It always amuses me that Hardik is termed an all-rounder from Baroda, but he hasn’t played for Baroda for years,” Whatmore remarked in an interview with The Times of India. His comments were echoed by various sports media outlets, including NDTV Sports, Hindustan Times, and CricTracker.

Fitness and Selection Challenges

Adding fuel to the fire, Ajit Agarkar, a former Indian cricketer and current selector, cited fitness issues as a primary concern for Pandya’s limited domestic appearances. “Hardik Pandya is a very important player, but fitness is clearly one challenge, and we want someone to be available all the time,” Agarkar noted, explaining the decision to prefer Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain over Pandya.

Social Media Reactions

The criticism has sparked significant discussion on social media. Prominent cricket analysts and fans have shared their opinions on platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Mufaddal Vohra posted a picture of Pandya with Head Coach Gautam Gambhir during a practice session, highlighting the player’s involvement with the national team. Meanwhile, Johns from CricCrazyJohns shared an update on Pandya’s preparation for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, further igniting debates on his domestic cricket commitments.

Pandya’s Response and Future Prospects

While Hardik Pandya has yet to make an official statement regarding the criticism, his recent activities suggest a focus on maintaining fitness and staying prepared for international duties. His upcoming participation in the T20I series against Sri Lanka will be closely watched by fans and critics alike.

Conclusion

The ongoing debate over Hardik Pandya’s role and commitment to domestic cricket raises important questions about the balance between international and domestic responsibilities for star players. As Pandya gears up for future challenges, his performance and decisions will undoubtedly remain under scrutiny from former coaches, selectors, and the broader cricketing community.