India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly moved to Bengaluru and will now use the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) as his permanent training base. The 32-year-old is currently recovering from a quadriceps injury. He is expected to spend most of his training time at the CoE whenever he is not playing for India, his state team, or in the IPL.
Pandya, who is originally from Baroda, had been living in Mumbai for many years. He usually trained at the Mumbai Indians’ facility in Ghansoli. However, reports say he has now rented a house on the outskirts of Bengaluru, close to the Centre of Excellence.
Hardik plans to make the Centre of Excellence his permanent training base
A BCCI source said, “Hardik has already permanently shifted to Bengaluru. He has rented a property on the outskirts of the city, close to the CoE. He will be the first Indian cricketer to make the CoE his permanent training base for the remainder of his career.”
The report also said that travelling daily from his home in Mumbai had become difficult for the all-rounder. The Centre of Excellence provides top-class facilities for injury recovery, fitness, and skill development.
The source added, “Hardik wanted to move out of Mumbai, as commuting every day from his Lower Parel residence for training had become a problem. As a centrally contracted cricketer, he has access to every facility at the CoE, from injury management to skills training. Hence, he took the decision to make the CoE his permanent base whenever he is not on IPL, state or national duty.”
Pandya will also reportedly have his own physiotherapist and personal strength and conditioning coach to support his training.
The source further said, “It is like shifting his base to Bengaluru as long as he plays white-ball cricket for India, and he intends to play for at least another five to six years. Even when he does skill work, such as batting against net bowlers hired by the CoE, Hardik pays them from his own pocket.”
Pandya is expected to return to the Centre of Excellence soon as he continues his rehabilitation. His availability for India’s upcoming T20I series against Zimbabwe will depend on his fitness and medical clearance.
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