New Delhi: India all-rounder has shifted from Mumbai to Bengaluru where he planes to make the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE) his permanent training base for the remainder of his playing career.
The move makes him the first prominent current India cricketer to use the COE as his primary training base rather than only visiting for rehabilitation or national camps.
According to PTI, Pandya has rented a house on the outskirts of Bengaluru close to the Centre of Excellence. The decision comes while the 32-year-old continues his recovery from a quadriceps injury that ruled him out of India’s ongoing white-ball tour of the UK.
Until now, Pandya had spent most of the last decade living in Mumbai and training at Mumbai Indians’ facilities during the IPL season.
Why Pandya chose Bengaluru
A source told PTI that daily travel from Pandya’s Lower Parel residence in Mumbai had become difficult, prompting him to look for a more practical long-term solution.
As a centrally contracted player, Pandya has full access to the Centre of Excellence including world-class rehabilitation facilities, fitness support and skill development programmes. The source added that whenever he is not on national, IPL or domestic duty, he intends to train from the COE.
Pandya is also expected to work with his own physiotherapist and personal strength and conditioning coach alongside the facilities available at the Centre.
Focus on recovery and comeback
The India all-rounder has spent significant time at the Centre of Excellence over the past six months as part of his rehabilitation programme. Even during batting practice, he reportedly hires net bowlers through the COE and pays them personally to maintain his preparation.
His rehabilitation is still underway, although he is expected to return to the Centre in the coming days after a short personal break.
It remains uncertain whether Pandya will be available for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe. His selection will depend on successfully completing the BCCI’s Return-to-Play protocols and receiving full medical clearance before the squad is announced.