Not treating IPL 2022 as comeback, I am still work in progress: Hardik Pandya
India Today
IPL 2022: Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya said he is looking forward to the new season, adding that he is excited to see how his hard work will help him ease into competitive cricket again.
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya said he is looking forward to lead Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 but played down talks that the new season will be a comeback of sorts.
Hardik said he was able to achieve self realisation during the injury lay-off and is keen on knowing how his hard work will reward him.
The 28-year-old has been battling fitness concerns ever since injuring his back in 2019 and didn't find a place in the Indian team for the last few series against New Zealand, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka.
"I was just spending time with family, working hard as always. (I'm) making sure I prepare well. For me, it was a time of self realising a lot of think about what I want and what will work for me going forward and I got this answers during this time,” Hardik told the IPL website.
Hardik Pandya was not retained by Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2022 mega auction. However, he was drafted by Gujarat Titans as their captain for. Rs 15 crore.
"I don't think it is going to be my comeback or I am focusing on it. For me, right now I just want to be in a positive mindset and I'm not looking way ahead, I am just focussing on things which are controllables, which is looking after my body and making my team win," he said.
"Eventually if I do things right for Gujarat Titans in IPL, then things will fall into places for future as well. I am just a work in progress right now but for me, what will be important is that I will always be available for the players no matter what time and day. I want to give the players security and freedom."
