India announced their 15-man squad for the 2019 ICC World Cup on Monday (April 15).
Though there were a few surprises, with Dinesh Karthik being chosen ahead of Ambati Rayudu, Hardik Pandya's inclusion was never in doubt. Though he was suspended for a brief period by the BCCI for his comments on a TV show, that barely had an impact on His way into the World Cup side. Moreover, Pandya said that the time spent out of the national team put him in a good headspace ahead of the Cricket World Cup next month.
Since his return, Pandya has shown brutal form for his Indian T20 League side, Team Mumbai, striking the ball savagely. He did it again on Monday, reeling off 37 no in just 16 balls to clinch a tight chase for Mumbai, against Team Bengaluru.
"I want to improve and I got some time for my body as well. I think the time I spent out is helping me right now because I. It's okay. Everyone has a setback," he said to improve and I got some time for my body as well. I'm in good mental space and everything is coming right.
It's for the first time I'm playing, and for me, it was important to keep hitting the ball well because I was away from the game for some time, and coming back, it was important for me to hit it."
The all-rounder has previously played in England and is familiar with the condition there. He said he had learnt from the experience and that would go a long way in helping him perform well. "Obviously, it's the past, but as a cricketer, I have changed. We also have to see the conditions because the last time we went, lots of people told me it would swing and it would be cold.
"But I have never played on a flat wicket like that before. Depending on the situation and the condition, if it's the same situation that we played in the Champions Trophy, it will be a help for us (at the World Cup)."
