Former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan has opened up on the issues faced by Hardik Pandya as the dynamic all-rounder continues to fight recurring back injuries. Zaheer, known for his insightful cricketing analysis, said that Pandya’s physical issues have forced him to be careful about taking on a larger role as a bowler.
Pandya has been suffering from back problems for a long time, which has really affected his career. It was in 2019 that he had a surgery on his back after the pain he was feeling during the 2018 England Test series worsened. This put him out of action for months, missing crucial matches and limiting his role when he returned to the game.
Zaheer conceded that Pandya has been battling an uphill battle, describing the internal and external pressures that come with managing such injuries. According to Zaheer, these ongoing issues have understandably made Pandya hesitant to resume a full-fledged bowling workload. “He’s been fighting his own battles—injuries, back issues—forcing him to be apprehensive about looking at a bigger role with the ball,” Zaheer observed.
Zaheer stressed the importance of patience, particularly when recovering from a severe injury. Drawing from his own experience as a player who managed multiple injuries, Zaheer advised Pandya to trust the process and focus on gradual progress. “You need to give your body the time it needs to heal and adapt. Recovery isn’t just about getting fit; it’s about ensuring that you’re strong enough to sustain the rigors of international cricket again,” he added.
Pandya has been welcomed back into the Indian team as a leader in white-ball formats, but there are questions about whether he will regain the balance he once brought as a genuine all-rounder. Since his surgery, Pandya has managed his bowling workload carefully, often stepping in as a part-time bowler rather than a primary option. While this adjustment has helped prolong his career, it has also created gaps in India’s bowling attack at times.
Zaheer reminded the audience of how it is essential to balance returning to competitive cricket and not giving the body sufficient time to recover. He further mentioned that it was crucial for players to communicate with the support staff and, most importantly, learn to depend on physiotherapists, trainers, and doctors to take the right decision. “It’s all about listening to your body and taking the right advice.”. You can’t control everything, but you can control how you approach recovery,” Zaheer said.
While the desire to play as a complete all-rounder for India remains unchanged for Hardik Pandya, the road back to that position needs carefulness, dedication, and a patient attitude. In this context, Zaheer’s words are apt: in cricket, the longevity of a player’s career is often at the mercy of astute decisions in testing times.