Former Indian all-rounder and head coach Ravi Shastri believes Hardik Pandya will retire from the ODI format after playing the home 2023 World Cup.
Ben Stokes’ sudden retirement from ODI cricket was a reminder of the toll the current packed schedule takes on the players. Playing three formats with such a hectic schedule has become nearly impossible. It was also an indication of where the sport is heading, with T20 cricket dominating the fifty-over format.
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Shastri is of the opinion that more players are likely to follow suit in future and prefer one format over others. He thinks India’s star all-rounder Hardik could be the next player to quit ODIs following the next year’s World Cup in India as he shifts his entire focus on T20 cricket.
“Test cricket will always remain because of the importance it brings to the game. You have players already choosing what formats they want to play.
Take Hardik Pandya. He wants to play T20 cricket, and he is very clear in his mind. He will play 50-over cricket because there is a World Cup in India next year. After that, you might see him going from that as well,”
Shastri told Sky Sports.
The fast-bowling all-rounder Pandya is an integral part of the Indian limited overs side and made his return to international cricket this year after a long injury layoff. Hardik produced arguably his best ODI performance in the final game against England, where he picked 4 for 24 with the ball and then smashed 71 off 55 to chase down the target.
Shastri added that franchise cricket will rule the sport in the near future, and in that case, the volume of international cricket will need to be cut down. He stated that if the cricket boards don’t cut down on bilateral cricket, more players will become one format specialists.
“Franchise cricket is going to rule the roost around the world. Then how will you have international cricket? You will have to cut the volume, you have to cut bilateral cricket, and go in that direction.
You will never be able to stop different players going and playing for different franchises,”
Shastri added.
