India vice-captain Hardik Pandya is elated with the return of regular skipper Rohit Sharma for the ongoing three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Hardik said that Rohit’s return gives him the space to relax and focus more on his well-being as a player. Notably, Hardik Pandya led India to a 2-1 win in a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka in Rohit’s absence before the ongoing ODI series.
“Ro (Rohit Sharma) is back so it is much more relaxed. I can focus more on my well-being and try to share all my knowledge. If they need my help or advice, I’m always there. The body is very good, we are following a plan and the workload is being managed rightly with the WC just 6-7 months away,” Hardik told broadcasters ahead of the second ODI vs Sri Lanka.
Hardik revealed that he had requested Axar Patel to contribute more with the bat and the all-rounder worked tremendously to improve his batting.
“It has made a big difference, the only request I had from him was more contribution from his batting. He has worked tremendously, helps my life knowing Axar is after me, helps the team play a certain balance. He’s upped his game massively in the recent past, makes the team feel more confident,” Hardik added.
