Fitness test scheduled for Hardik Pandya at the National Cricket Academy ahead of the Asia Cup tournament
Hardik Pandya Undergoes Fitness Test Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Hardik Pandya, the key all-rounder for India in white-ball cricket formats, underwent a routine fitness test at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru on August 11 and 12, 2025. The fitness test is a crucial step before the Asia Cup 2025, scheduled to take place from September 9 to September 28, 2025.
The Asia Cup 2025 will feature eight participating teams: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Hong Kong. India’s first match is scheduled against the United Arab Emirates on September 10, 2025.
Hardik has been training in Mumbai since mid-July to regain peak fitness after recent successful campaigns, including the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. The fitness assessment at NCA involved physical conditioning tests, strength evaluations, and match readiness checks supervised by the BCCI medical and physiotherapy team.
The success of India’s campaign in the Asia Cup may depend on Hardik’s participation. His all-round capabilities are critical to the team, given his skill in both batting and medium-pace bowling. This assessment is part of a broader fitness evaluation process for the Indian team ahead of the tournament, with other players like Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav undergoing related fitness preparations.
The result of this fitness test will determine Hardik’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025. Craig McMillan, a former New Zealand all-rounder, expressed concern about the absence of a fast-bowling all-rounder in India’s Test team. However, in McMillan’s opinion, India needs an all-rounder like Hardik Pandya in Test cricket at the moment.
In Asian conditions, McMillan suggested that India would benefit from a spin-bowling all-rounder like Ravindra Jadeja, Rashid Khan, or Washington Sundar. On the other hand, he mentioned that a fast-bowling all-rounder would be essential for India's success in conditions outside Asia.
Hardik confirmed his travel for the assessment by posting an update on his Instagram story, captioned "A short trip to the NCA." The Asia Cup 2025 is a high-profile tournament, and the fitness of key players like Hardik Pandya will be closely watched by cricket fans worldwide.
Table: Key Details for Asia Cup 2025 Fitness Test
| Aspect | Details | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Fitness Test Dates | August 11 and 12, 2025 | | Location | National Cricket Academy (NCA), Bengaluru | | Event | Asia Cup 2025 (September 9–28, 2025) | | India's First Match | September 10, 2025 vs. United Arab Emirates | | Team Participation | Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, UAE, Oman, Hong Kong | | Significance of Test | Fitness test results determine Hardik Pandya’s participation; key for India’s white-ball success | | Training Prior to Test | Hardik trained in Mumbai since mid-July to reach peak fitness | | Role | All-rounder contributing with bat and medium-pace bowling |
Read also:
- Court petitions to reverse established decision on same-sex marriage legalization
- Commemoration of 200 Days of American Resurgence Unveiled
- Minister Bärbel Bas expresses doubts about her tenure as a minister following a recent interview during the summer.
- Politicians from both Republican and Democratic parties are urging President Trump to maintain the security agreement with Australia and the United Kingdom.
