'We focused on putting a little block of training' - Pandya explains his absence against Hong Kong 

Hardik Pandya raising his bat after winning the match for India (PC: Twitter)

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya justified the rationale behind the team management's decision to rest him in the Hong Kong tie of the Asia Cup 2022.

As Pandya's track record with injuries was once an obvious sign of concern, the Indian team management is leaving no stone unturned to make sure such issues do not reoccur.

Battling the Dubai heat in the campaign-opener versus Pakistan, Pandya bowled a four-over spell to claim a three-for. Then his 17-ball 33* powered India to win a cliffhanger.

'We thought we could get in a couple of sessions and train'

Devoting his focus towards the recovery after the match, the star cricketer was rested for the game against Hong Kong so that he could put in a 'little block of training'. 

"We thought we could get in a couple of sessions and train. We thought it will be helpful on focusing on the recovery. So we focused on ptting a little block of training that can help me to play with the same intensity as I played last Sunday," Pandya said in the pre-match interview with the broadcasters.

Meanwhile, the 28-year-old got out for a duck in the ongoing match against Pakistan. After a dominating show by the Indian openers, the Rohit Sharma-led side lost wickets in clusters to eventually finish at 181/7 in 20 overs.

Read more: Asia Cup 2022 | Rohit Sharma's elite record broken by Afghan batter