Former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev recently shared his thoughts on the injury crisis plaguing the Indian team and expressed his hopes for improvement. Regarding Hardik Pandya, Kapil Dev emphasized his concerns regarding the all-rounder’s susceptibility to injuries.
Kapil Dev also emphasized the significance of preparation and match practice ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023, scheduled to begin on October 5 in India.
Hardik Pandya faced a prolonged back injury from 2019 to 2020, keeping him out of the team for over a year. Following a successful back surgery, Pandya made a remarkable comeback and showcased outstanding performances, earning him the position of vice-captain for the Indian team. However, his tendency to be prone to injuries remains a concern for Kapil Dev and others in the cricketing fraternity.
During an interaction on ABP News, Kapil Dev addressed the injury crisis in the Indian team leading up to the ODI World Cup 2023. He acknowledged that injuries are part and parcel of every sportsperson’s life but expressed his hopes for improvement in the situation. Kapil Dev mentioned his concerns for Hardik Pandya, highlighting the all-rounder’s vulnerability to injuries.
“Injuries are part and parcel of every sportsperson’s life. I hope the situation improves. I always fear for Hardik Pandya, and he gets injured very quickly. If all these players are fit and fine, India can become a compact team”, Kapil Dev said.
Kapil Dev, who led India to their historic ODI World Cup victory in 1983, emphasized the importance of preparation for such a prestigious tournament. He stressed the need for match practice and called for more One Day Internationals (ODIs) to ensure the team is well-prepared. With the ODI World Cup occurring once every four years, Kapil Dev believes that every team must be ready to compete at their best.
“See, a World Cup comes after four years, so you’ve got to be prepared. We need match practice; we need more ODIs,” Kapil Dev further said.
ICC World Cup 2023 Schedule Announced, Click Here To Check Full Schedule
Leading up to the ODI World Cup 2023, the Asia Cup will take place in September in Sri Lanka. It will be a crucial event for teams to prepare for the World Cup, as the matches will be played in a 50-over format. The final squad for the ODI World Cup will be selected based on Asia Cup performance.
Consequently, key players such as Jasprit Bumrah, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Rishabh Pant, currently undergoing rehabilitation, will need to regain their fitness and participate in the Asian tournament to secure their spots in the World Cup squad.
