Hardik Pandya is gearing up for a routine fitness assessment at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on August 11–12, but for fans and selectors, it’s anything but routine. The Times of India reports that the Indian all-rounder has been putting in the hard yards in Mumbai since mid-July, steadily building his workload in preparation for this check-up.
Why This Test Feels So Important
On paper, it’s just a standard BCCI protocol to monitor senior players. But anyone who has followed Hardik’s career knows these moments have carried extra weight in recent years. Injuries have forced him to miss key matches in the past, and with the Asia Cup 2025 starting on September 9 in the UAE, selectors will want complete assurance before slotting him back into the XI. This tournament isn’t just another stop on the calendar — it’s seen as a crucial warm-up for the big ICC events coming over the next year.
What Hardik Brings to the Table
When fully fit, Hardik is a rare asset — the kind of player who can blast 40 off 20 balls in the death overs and then come back to deliver a clutch spell with the ball. That dual skillset gives India the balance every captain dreams of. But it’s also why the team needs him at 100%, capable of playing back-to-back games without risking another setback.
The Road Ahead
All eyes now turn to Bengaluru. If Hardik clears the NCA’s green light, it’ll be a huge boost for India’s campaign. Yes, the off-field headlines will always follow him — that’s part of the Hardik package — but for now, the focus is firmly on cricket.
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