"Hardik will be considered for India selection when he is 100 per cent match fit": Chetan Sharma

BCCI Chairman of Selectors Chetan Sharma confirmed that only fully-fit Hardik Pandya will be considered for India selection.

During the team announcement for the multi-format Sri Lanka series, Sharma was asked about Hardik's possible comeback in the blue jersey. The chief selector gave an update on the all-rounder's return to the national setup, saying he has not attained 100 per cent match fitness yet.

For the unversed, Hardik's fitness has been under the scanner for quite some time now as the 28-year-old suffered a back injury in 2018. His awful outings in the last T20 World Cup added to his woes.

"Hardik was definitely a very important part of the Indian team. After these injuries I would say that when we are convinced that he is 100 per cent match fit, ready to go and if he is bowling, he will definitely be considered," the former India all-rounder informed on Saturday.

Hardik opted out of the ongoing season of the Ranji Trophy. Sharma emphasised that the selectors will give more weight to the players' performance in the domestic red-ball tournament.

"You can ask Hardik why he is not playing Ranji Trophy. We are looking at those who are playing the Ranji Trophy and performing there. So we feel happy to watch the competition and see the boys perform," Sharma added.

Hardik will mark his return to competitive cricket in the upcoming Indian Premier League edition and will be in charge of the newly-formed Gujarat-based franchise.