Hardik Pandya, the 28-year-old Indian all-rounder, is having a dream run
at the 2022 edition of the Asia Cup. Pandya was instrumental in India’s victory
against Pakistan. He took three wickets while bowling and scored a stormy 33 of
17 balls to seal India’s victory. On Sunday, September 4, Pandya spoke of what
helps him perform his best in the international arena, and the Surat-born
cricketer had an interesting answer.

Speaking to broadcasters before the match, Hardik Pandya said that he
takes his chef everywhere he goes to play and the chef keeps a watch on his
calorie-intake. “I carry my chef everywhere I go. He keeps count of my calories
and the kind of food I have to eat,” he said. It is Pandya’s focus on fitness
that has propelled him into the top-5 list of ICC allrounders in the T20I
format.

Also Read | ICC rankings: Hardik Pandya gains after match-winning knock against Pakistan

Food for Hardik Pandya plays a critical role in his fitness regimen.
While he said that he takes his chef wherever he goes, he is not one to not
pick up cooking responsibilities at home on occasion. In May last year, Pandya
posted pictures of him donning the chef’s hat. He captioned the picture: “Chef
duties at the Pandya household.”

Also Read | India beat Pakistan by 5 wickets: Key takeaways from Asia Cup 2022 tie

Back to cricket, Pandya was asked about his bowling strategies at the
end of the match against Pakistan. “In bowling, my plans were pretty simple. I
always tell the same thing. It’s just how I use it. I tell that it’s important
to kind of assess the situation and conditions, and use your weapon which I
feel, you know, hard lengths and hitting the length is my strength. But I make
sure I use it very wisely, put some doubt in the batter and ask them to play
the wrong shot [sic],” Pandya told Star Sports.