Hardik Pandya shifts base to Bengaluru
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has permanently shifted his training base to Bengaluru, becoming the first centrally contracted Indian cricketer to make the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (COE) his primary base in a long-term effort to manage injuries and prolong his international career.
Why Bengaluru?
Rather than training out of Mumbai, Hardik will now stay near the COE whenever he is not on national, IPL or domestic duty. The move gives him round-the-clock access to world-class medical care, rehabilitation, recovery and high-performance training under one roof.
A career shaped by injuries
The 32-year-old has battled recurring fitness issues in recent years, including knee, back and now quadriceps injuries, forcing him to miss several major tournaments. The relocation is part of a broader strategy to remain fit for the next five to six years of white-ball cricket.
Private support team stays
Along with BCCI's specialists, Hardik will continue working with his personal physiotherapist and strength & conditioning coach. He also reportedly bears the cost of additional net bowlers arranged for extra batting practice at the COE.
Recovery still underway
Hardik is currently recovering from a quadriceps injury that ruled him out of India's ongoing UK tour. He is expected to return to Bengaluru shortly to resume rehabilitation after a brief personal break.
Zimbabwe return uncertain
His availability for India's upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe will depend on successfully clearing the BCCI's return-to-play protocol and receiving medical clearance. The Bengaluru move is being viewed as the beginning of a new, fitness-first chapter in Hardik's career.
