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Why BCCI's Ranji Trophy Directive Wouldn't Be Applied On Hardik Pandya

image-lsleykiwHardik has recovered from his knee injury [X.com]

Speculations were rife if BCCI's new directive to mandate Ranji Trophy appearance for all registered players not currently recuperating from an injury at the NCA would apply also on premier India allrounder Hardik Pandya. 

Even though the BCCI indirectly sent a warning to Jharkhand wicketkeeper-batter and curious absentee Ishan Kishan with their directive, it was wondered if the mandate would also lead to Pandya's comeback for Baroda ahead of their final-round league stage fixture. 

However, according to a Times of India report, Pandya will not have to take the field for his first-class team despite not currently under rehab for any injury as the BCCI is willing to give him a special allowance and conserve his energies for India playing duties. 


BCCI Gives Special Allowance To Hardik Pandya 

An Indian board official privy to the developments said Pandya is allowed to skip the red-ball duties for Baroda as the management and the medical staff continue to bide caution over his injury and fitness status. 

The limited-overs specialist has just recovered from his knee injury and the BCCI is not willing to take any risks over it keeping in mind the IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians (MI) in March-May and the T20 World Cup that follows immediately in June. 

"We can understand Hardik Pandya's case as his body can't take the rigours of red-ball cricket. He can't withstand the workload of Test cricket and Team India needs him fit for ICC events," the BCCI official told TOI. 

It seems the senior India set-up has taken a clear decision on Pandya to reserve the critical allrounder's energies and workload for build-up towards major ICC events only, keeping in mind the Gujarat cricketer is an indispensable figure in the white-ball outfit. 

The 30-year-old, who has effectively relinquished all his red-ball duties, last turned up in first-class cricket in December 2018 and played the most recent of his 11 Tests for India in September that season during the tour of England.