It was my decision to take a break from international cricket, reveals Hardik Pandya
Hardik Pandya captained Gujarat Titans to their maiden title in IPL 2022
|IPL
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has clarified that it was his decision to take a break from international cricket after T20 World Cup last year as he was recovering from a back injury. He also added that there is a misconception that he was dropped but BCCI supported his decision to take a break.
Hardik Pandya had a dream start with Gujarat Titans as he led them to the title in IPL 2022. Hardik also contributed with his all-round skills scoring 487 runs and eight wickets in 15 matches. His captaincy has been praised by many former cricketers and Hardik also earned a recall to the national side for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa.
Hardik was away from the game after the T20I World Cup last year and there were rumours that he was dropped due to his injury struggles. However, Hardik has clarified that it was his own decision to take a break from the game to recover from his injury.
"Lot of people don't know that I took off; It was my decision. A lot of misconception is that I was dropped. You get dropped when you are available. Thankful to the BCCI as they allowed me to take long breaks and did not even force me to come back," said Hardik in a video shared by Gujarat Titans on Twitter.
Hardik last played in the T20I World Cup last year but he returned with a terrific form this season. The all-rounder aims to continue his form while returning to international cricket.
"The old Hardik will be back. Now the fans are back, it's time for me to make comeback. A lot of matches are going to be played and I'm looking forward to it. What I did for my franchise, I will also make sure that I can also do the same for my country," Hardik explained.
