'Have to increase workload before ODI World Cup': Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya

India ODI stand-in captain Hardik Pandya has admitted that he is right now "a turtle not rabbit", but is keen to increase his bowling workload to prepare himself for the World Cup at home in October-November.

Pandya has been used sparingly as a bowler in international matches in recent times due to a spate of injuries - shoulder and back to be precise. He bowled three overs in the first match and took one wicket giving away 17 runs. He, however, went wicketless in the second ODI here on Saturday, conceding 38 runs from 6.4 overs.

Plagued by injuries, Pandya, who last played Tests for India in September 2018, has limited himself to only playing white-ball cricket. "My body is fine. I have to bowl more overs and get my workload up for the World Cup. I'm a turtle right now not the rabbit and hoping everything goes right as the World Cup comes on," Pandya said after India's disappointing six-wicket defeat in a rain-marred second ODI here.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya could be rested for Ireland T20s ahead of Asia Cup, ODI World Cup 2023

Pandya admitted that it would be challenging now to go into the third and final game on Tuesday with the series tied 1-1. "They will be tested, we will be tested now that the series stands 1-1. It will be exciting for the viewers and players," he said.

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