India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is right now facing numerous issues in both his personal and professional life. Few days back, he announced on social media that him and his wife, Natasa Stankovic were getting separated. Two days after that announcement, Suryakumar Yadav was made India’s T20I captain over him for the Sri Lanka series. Now to everyone’s surprise, Hardik will be featuring for his home team Baroda in the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy as BCCI wants to monitor his fitness in the ODI format.
Hardik last featured for Baroda way back in 2018 and has received criticism for being regularly absent from domestic cricket. Now, former Baroda coach, Dav Whatmore has lashed out at the all-rounder for not giving priority to his domestic team.
“There’s still some individuals who don’t play white-ball cricket. For example, in my last few years in Baroda, Hardik Pandya wouldn’t ever play white-ball cricket. It always amuses me that he’s termed as the all-rounder from Baroda but he hasn’t played for Baroda for years! So, yes, there are some who don’t do that,” said Whatmore on Pak Passion’s YouTube channel.
“But recently, I’ve seen that the BCCI have been keen that players participate in the Ranji Trophy as well as other two formats to ensure they see cricket as sports. Efforts are made to make sure 4-day cricket is not neglected,” added Whatmore.