Former Team India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shared details on all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s pre-game preparation ahead of the upcoming clash against Pakistan during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Nayar also revealed that the star cricketer pays more attention to fitness, health, and practice than skill.
India began their Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a nine-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Wednesday, September 10. Hardik Pandya bowled a single over and conceded 10 runs without taking a wicket. He did not come to bat as India comfortably chased down the 58-run target.
Hardik Pandya Doesn’t Believe Too Much in Skill – Abhishek Nayar
During a discussion on Sony Sports, Abhishek Nayar said that Hardik Pandya prioritizes practice and fitness. Nayar also stated that the all-rounder spends more time bowling than batting in the nets. He added that Pandya trains for two to two-and-a-half hours daily.
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“He is actually slightly different. He doesn’t believe too much in skill; he practices a lot, but he practices bowling more than batting. However, he pays a lot of attention to his fitness, health, and body. He has a routine, where he does yoga, concentrates on his nutrition, and trains for two to two-and-a-half hours every day,” Nayar said.
Pandya will bring balance to India’s white-ball squad with his all-round abilities. The all-rounder played vital roles in India’s recent ICC successes during the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Hardik Pandya Always Remains Right Mentally – Abhishek Nayar
The former India assistant coach said that Hardik Pandya has exceptional mental toughness. Nayar added that Pandya follows his own routines to stay physically fit.
“He is extremely diligent there. He always remains right mentally, but he tries to remain physically right. After that, he does whatever pretournament preparation he deems right. However, otherwise, he is mentally extremely strong,” Nayar added.
India will take on Pakistan in their second Group A match of the Asia Cup 2025 at the same venue on Sunday, September 14. Hardik is expected to play a key role with the ball, having proven his all-round performances in high-pressure encounters.
Hardik Pandya Doesn’t Get Rattled – Ajay Jadeja
During the same discussion, former India captain Ajay Jadeja lauded Hardik Pandya for his confidence and composure on the field. Jadeja also pointed out that Pandya remains calm under pressure in crucial moments, even when his batting partners feel the tension.
“That’s his strength. He has the skills – batting, bowling, and fielding- he is an athlete as well, but he has been seen batting at the end in many important matches against Pakistan. He doesn’t get rattled, although you might have seen his partners getting rattled at times,” he replied.
Hardik has played seven T20Is against Pakistan. He has scored 91 runs at an average of 18.20 and a strike rate of 116.66, with a best score of 40. The right-arm fast bowler has taken 13 wickets in six innings at an average of 12.00 and an economy rate of 7.26, with best figures of 3/8.
Pandya last played a T20I against Pakistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he took two wickets for 24 runs. The all-rounder has played 115 T20Is, scoring 1,812 runs and taking 94 wickets.
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