Hardik Pandya hopeful of making comeback in ODIs against Australia

Out of action since sustaining a lower back injury in the Asia Cup in September this year, Hardik Pandya hopes to make a comeback to the national side for the ODIs against Australia.

Pandya had suffered from a back injury in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan wherein he had to be stretchered off the field. Later, reports confirmed the fact that he had sustained an ‘acute back injury.’

Since then, he has missed out on playing for the national side. He wasn’t picked for the T20Is and Test series against Australia but he has high hopes of returning to the squad for the ODIs scheduled to be held in January.

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“I’m trying hard to be fit for the ODI series against Australia to start in January,” said the all-rounder, as quoted by The Times Of India.

“To get back to full fitness, I’m going through rigorous bowling sessions in Mumbai…I have just started bowling after 60 days. Once I bowl a few overs in the ODIs, I should be on the right track,” he added.

The 25-year-old nonetheless felt that his side would do well against the Aussies in their own backyard.

“We are a formidable side and we should give a good fight to Australia who I believe are very strong in their own backyard,” he said.

His brother Krunal, who recently made his debut in the T20Is against the West Indies has travelled with the side for the three-match T20I series against Australia. Wishing him success, Hardik said, “I’m very happy to see Krunal representing the country Down Under.”

Image credit-DNA India