[In pictures] “Picking up the pace” - Hardik Pandya trains ahead of Bangladesh T20I series

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya took to social media on Tuesday, September 10, to share pictures of his training sessions. His last appearance was during India’s tour of Sri Lanka for a three-match T20I series. Hardik played in two games, scoring 31 runs and taking two wickets as India completed a clean sweep.

He missed the subsequent ODI series due to personal reasons and has been enjoying a break from cricket. Hardik shared photos of himself, including shots of him running and practicing throwdowns in the nets, ahead of the Bangladesh T20Is next month.

He captioned the post:

“Picking up the pace.”

The three-match T20I series is set to begin on October 6 in Gwalior. The second match will be played on October 9 in Delhi, while the series will conclude with the final game in Hyderabad on October 13.

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“We want someone who is likely to be available more often than not” - When chief selector Ajit Agarkar explained why Hardik Pandya wasn't considered India’s T20I captain

Hardik Pandya was Team India's vice-captain when they won the T20 World Cup earlier this year. The all-rounder played a crucial role, successfully defending 16 runs in the final over in the summit clash against South Africa.

Following the victory, captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20Is, paving the way for a new captain in the shortest format for India. Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja also followed suit.

Typically, the vice-captain would assume the captaincy in such situations, but the Indian board opted for Suryakumar Yadav due to Hardik's fitness concerns. In July, during a joint press conference with new head coach Gautam Gambhir, chief selector Ajit Agarkar said:

"He (Hardik) is still a very important player for us and we want him to be the player that he can be because those sorts of skill sets are very difficult to find. Fitness has been a challenge for him over the last few years, and then it becomes a bit more difficult for a coach or even us, the selectors.”

"Now we have got a bit more time till the next T20 World Cup where we can look at a few things. It is not rushed at the moment. He is an important player for us and performances are more important. That was the thought behind it. Fitness is a clear challenge and we want someone who is likely to be available more often than not," he continued.

Suryakumar enjoyed a perfect start to his tenure as full-time T20I captain, leading India to a clean sweep against Sri Lanka.