Chetan Sharma, the chairman of the selection committee, said that Hardik Pandya will only be considered if the all-rounder is 100% fit. He further added that the committee will not interfere with the the 28-year-old’s decision of skipping the Ranji Trophy. 

Hardik Pandya, who represents Baroda, decided to skip the Ranji Trophy that is taking place after a gap of two years. The former Mumbai Indians star wants to focus on his India comeback in white-ball cricket.

Also read: Yuzvendra Chahal one wicket away to become India’s top wicket-taker in T20Is

Asked about why Pandya was skipping Ranji Trophy, Sharma said, “If somebody does not want to play, the selection committee does not interfere, in the state matters.” “You can ask Hardik why he is not playing Ranji Trophy? We are seeing those who are playing Ranji Trophy and those who are performing. We are happy to see players playing Ranji Trophy and performing,” Sharma was blunt in his response.

He further added that Pandya is an important member of the team. However, if he is not fit, he will not be considered. 

Also read: Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara dropped from Test series against Sri Lanka

“Look, definitely Hardik was a very important part of the Indian team. (But) after the injuries, we will now say that if he is 100 percent fit, ready to go and also if he is bowling and match fitness and all, we we will consider him immediately,” Sharma said. 

Pandya made himself unavailable for national selection after the T20 World Cup last year. He suffered a back injury and has been under rehabilitation.