• Home
  • Who Said What
  • End Goal Is To Play The T20 World Cup Hardik Pandya On His Extended Break Ahead Of Ipl 2024

'End Goal Is To Play The T20 World Cup' - Hardik Pandya On His Extended Break Ahead Of IPL 2024

Hardik Pandya injured his ankle during ICC World Cup 2023Hardik Pandya injured his ankle during ICC World Cup 2023

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya is all set to mark his return to the cricketing arena in the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. After a hiatus since October last year due to an injury incurred during the ICC World Cup 2023 match against Bangladesh, Hardik has finally shed light on the prolonged break following the tournament.

This period of absence has not been without its critics. Notably, former Indian cricketer Praveen Kumar voiced suspicions that Hardik's injuries were conveniently timed ahead of the IPL season, hinting at a preference for the lucrative league over national duties.

Hardik Pandya cites T20 World Cup 2024 as reason behind his long absence

However, Hardik Pandya has now stated that his extended break was a strategic move to gear up for not just the IPL but more significantly, the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 scheduled for June.

Speaking to Star Sports, Hardik opened up about embracing yoga during his recovery, a practice that has significantly heightened his body awareness. He articulated the transformative impact of yoga on his physique and mindset, stressing the importance of returning not just in form but as an enhanced version of himself.

“It is such a beautiful thing. I am so much aware of my body because of it. I had never tried it before in my life. My point is always simple - If I go out, what is the point of coming back as the same Hardik? I have to come up with a better version of myself," said Hardik.



The Mumbai Indians captain made it clear that his break was a calculated step towards priming himself for the upcoming T20 World Cup, as he highlighted the tournament's paramount importance to him. 

This strategic period of preparation, as Hardik sees it, was crucial for ensuring his peak performance at the World Cup, aiming to contribute his best version to the team.

"And my reason for taking this long break was not IPL. It is just one part of it. Post IPL, there is a bigger baby that is coming again, the World Cup. And I treat World Cups as my child. As many times as I can try and make sure that get them back, I'll try. And this entire period of preparation is that if the end goal is to play the T20 World Cup at the best capacity and be the best version of myself,” added the lanky all-rounder.

Meanwhile, Hardik has joined the Mumbai Indians squad for the upcoming IPL 2024. The team is set to go head-to-head with their new captain's former team, Gujarat Titans, in their IPL 2024 opener on March 24 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.