Hardik Pandya Reveals Secrets Behind His Military-Like Fitness Drill: 'Army Sort Of...'

Star India allrounder Hardik Pandya has revealed that a lot of hard work has been put in to keep his body fit and at times, his training sessions feel like those in army camps, with the allrounder adding that playing for the country has always been a pride and his topmost priority.

The opposition may have been lower-ranked, but a 52-run innings coupled with two wickets in a World Cup game is a significant statement. The performance is sure to bolster Pandya’s confidence heading into the high-voltage encounter against arch-rivals Pakistan.

There was no hint of rust as Pandya struck four sixes and four fours to keep the momentum intact. With the ball, he delivered his full quota, returning figures of 2/21 and capped off a commanding all-round display

with the Player of the Match award.

Pandya shed light on the secret behind his peak conditioning and imposing physique, likening his routine to an army-style regimen. He stressed that it is the discipline, relentless hard work and unwavering dedication behind the scenes that keep him in prime shape and prepared for the biggest stages.

“Body has been fantastic. I have always mentioned it takes a lot of hard work, which I cherish. But, you know, playing for the country has always been a pride, always been my number one priority,” Pandya said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“It does need extra hard work, which I do. A lot of work goes behind the scenes where I am kind of out and kind of go into the army, army sort of a camp where I do morning and evening sessions, which kind of keeps me going,” Pandya added.

Pandya credited his performance to rigorous preparation ahead of the World Cup, saying that he always takes pride in his batting and when it really gets going, it is like “adding sugar to the cake”.