‘Play more cricket’: Kapil Dev’s blunt take on Hardik Pandya’s injury woes

Hardik Pandya’s prolonged absence from international cricket has reignited the debate on player workload, match frequency, and injuries, especially as several other members of the squad grapple with fitness challenges.

Pandya has not faced state‑level or international contests since the concluding matches of IPL 2026. Originally slated for India A’s ODI fixtures starting 6 October, he is now listed as unavailable for the forthcoming white‑ball tour of New Zealand.

What steps could increase his availability?

“Play more cricket,” former India captain Kapil Dev told the Times of India. When asked whether he feels Pandya is adhering to this principle, Kapil replied, “The act of playing regularly tunes the body to the sport’s demands. Conversely, sudden spikes in load—whether through reduced play followed by intense sessions—raise injury likelihood; a strong muscular foundation greatly mitigates these risks.”

These remarks come amid mounting injury worries throughout the team. Prasidh Krishna is expected back only after at least three weeks and is unlikely to appear in the next five‑match ODI series against New Zealand, whose tour opens with T20I matches on 22 October.

Similarly, Harshit Rana, whose last appearance was during the white‑ball leg against England in July, remains sidelined because of a left‑quadriceps injury that flared up during a simulation while he stayed at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Pandya’s gap in formal cricket since IPL 2026 mirrors the situation of co‑stars facing persistent physical setbacks, underscoring the difficulty of sustaining senior performers over extended periods.

Looking outward, Kapil reflected on whether today’s increased training loads have aggravated the injury crisis over the past few years. Citing veteran Sandeep Patil’s insight—that playing at least 250 out of 365 days is essential—he stressed that modern schedules often compel athletes to surge in intensity only briefly, heightening vulnerability.

For Kapil, sustained participation is crucial: regular play prepares muscles and connective tissue for the game’s physical demands, while abrupt shifts toward heavy practice elevate injury susceptibility. With Pandya still absent from international play and widespread fitness issues across the roster, the call for consistency becomes imperative for protecting player health and preserving performance levels.

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