has relocated to Bengaluru, intending to use the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) as his primary training hub for the rest of his playing days.
This decision marks a significant change from standard practice. Typically, India’s centrally contracted cricketers only utilise the COE for short-term injury rehabilitation, mandatory fitness tests, or scheduled national training camps.
While Pandya hails from Baroda in Gujarat, he has spent the better part of the last ten years residing in Mumbai and practising at the ‘ IPL training facility located in Ghansoli. The 32-year-old is currently recovering from a quadriceps injury that kept him out of India’s ongoing limited-overs tour of the United Kingdom, and he has already spent a major portion of the past six months training at the COE.
A BCCI source speaking to PTI on the condition of anonymity explained the logistical and professional reasons behind the relocation.
“Hardik has already permanently shifted to Bengaluru. He has rented a property on the outskirts of the city, close to the COE. He will be the first Indian cricketer to make the COE his permanent training base for the remainder of his career,” a BCCI source told PTI.
“Hardik wanted to move out of Mumbai as commuting every day from his Lower Parel residence for training had become a problem. As a centrally contracted cricketer, he has access to every facility at the from injury management to skills training.
“Hence, he took the decision to make the COE his permanent base whenever he is not on IPL, state or national duty,” the source said.
Hardik Pandya wants to prolong his career
Along with the resources provided by the COE, Pandya is expected to employ his own private physiotherapist and a dedicated strength and conditioning (S&C) coach to oversee his independent fitness routines.
“It is like shifting his base to Bengaluru as long as he plays white-ball cricket for India, and he intends to play for at least another five to six years. Even when he does skill work, such as batting against net bowlers hired by the COE, Hardik pays them from his own pocket,” the source added.