‘Always amuses me that he’s described as all-rounder from Baroda’—Dav Whatmore criticises Hardik Pandya’s rare domestic outings

According to reports, Hardik Pandya will play for Baroda in the forthcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy since the BCCI selectors will be keeping an eye on his bowling fitness in 50-over cricket. He has received a lot of flak for not playing much domestic cricket.

Hardik last played for Baroda in a Twenty20 match back in 2016. He participated in his final first-class match for his home team in 2018.

Former Baroda coach Dav Whatmore was critical of Hardik’s infrequent domestic appearances.

The Australian is well-known for his coaching assignments with groups that include Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. He was part of the Baroda coaching staff in the seasons of 2022–2023 and 2021–2022. But he did not have the services of one of the best cricketers the city has produced in years.

Some people still don’t participate in white-ball cricket. For instance, Hardik Pandya would never play white-ball cricket during my final few years in Baroda. The fact that he hasn’t played for Baroda in years, yet he is still referred to be their all-around player, always makes me laugh! Thus, to answer your question, “Yes, some people do not do that,” Whatmore remarked on the Pakistani YouTube channel Pak Passion.

To make sure that players view cricket as a sport, I have noticed that the BCCI is keen that players compete in the Ranji Trophy and the other two forms. There are attempts to ensure that four-day cricket is not overlooked,” Whatmore continued.

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But since making his debut in the Indian Premier League in 2015, Hardik has been a consistent presence. His all-around skills have made him an important member of the Indian limited-overs cricket team as well. The 30-year-old was a key player in India’s successful bid to win the T20 World Cup. Though he will be playing in the Indian T20I team against Sri Lanka, he will not be vice captain. He will not play in the ODI series versus the Lankan Lions in the interim. Hardik would like to assist India win games in the island nation by building on his stellar performance in the T20 World Cup.