Dubai: Mumbai Indians' all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who had to miss months of cricket in 2019 due to back injury, has said that he has worked hard on his fitness and is ready both physically and mentally for the IPL 2020.
Pandya, who is known for his ability to change the course of the game very quickly with both his batting and bowling skills, will be crucial for defending champions Mumbai Indians in the cash-rich T20 league.
"The way I'm hitting the ball right now, the shape I'm in, the mental space I'm in, it is just a matter of time that I go and spend some time on the ground and I think things will come out pretty well," Pandya said in a video posted by Mumbai Indians' official Twitter handle.
"No matter how far I go from the game, no matter how long I stay out, when I come back, it has to be worth it. I have prepared very well and I think, great things are coming ahead," the 26-year-old flamboyant all-rounder added.
Last year in November, Pandya had undergone a back surgery in London and had to undergo rehabilitation period as well. He was set to return in the limited-overs series against South Africa in March, but the series was deferred due to spread of novel coronavirus.
The Indian cricketer is now looking forward to the IPL,which will be played in UAE."IPL is something that I have enjoyed a lot and I would like to make a comeback very strong and I'm just looking forward to it," he said.
Pandya also acknowledged that injuries are going to be a part of his career and said that it motivates him to do better."In my life I have realised one thing that injuries would be with me. No-one wants to get injured, but I accept the fact that what I do, injuries would be a part of it.
"Injuries have always kept me going, always kept me motivated. Actually taught me how much I have to put in the hard yards and the hard work has always increased, never decreased,'' he said.Mumbai Indians will take on Chennai Super Kings in the opening game of IPL?2020 in Abu Dhabi, on?September 19.(UNI)
