India’s leading all-rounder Hardik Pandya will return to the tricolor when India takes on Bangladesh in a three-match T20I series after registering a 2-0 win over the Bangla Tigers in the longest format.

However, before his return, the 30-year-old right-hander was closely watched and came under the scrutiny of new Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel.

Hardik took part in India’s training session ahead of the first T20I match in Gwalior, where he had a rigorous session under the supervision of new South African coach Morne Morkel, according to a report in the Indian Express. The report further mentions that Morkel was dissatisfied with Hardik’s tendency to play too close to the stumps and regularly offered him feedback after every delivery.

Morkel also appeared to discuss with Hardik his release point and the all-rounder positively accepted the advice. Morkel then turned his attention to the other players during the net session.

Hardik Pandya is yet to return to the ODI setup

Despite being a regular in the ODI line-up, the all-rounder was not included in India’s squad for the three-match one-day series against Asian rivals Sri Lanka in August earlier this year.

His last ODI appearance was during the ODI World Cup at home last year, where he suffered an injury while bowling in a group stage match against Bangladesh. This injury eventually forced him to withdraw from the tournament.

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Following the conclusion of the T20Is against Bangladesh, the Men in Blue will shift their focus to the longer format when New Zealand visit for a three-match Test series. These matches are scheduled to be held in Bengaluru, Pune and Mumbai.

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