Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has revealed why he decided to take a longer break post-injury. Pandya suffered an ankle injury in the ODI World Cup 2023, which ruled him out of the showpiece event. The all-rounder then missed 11 T20I matches in subsequent series against Australia, South Africa and Afghanistan.

Pandya revealed he wanted to return as a better version of himself and he worked hard on his fitness by practising yoga.

Pandya, who moved back to Mumbai Indians in all-cash trade deal, will lead the franchise in the upcoming season. The all-rounder said his extended break was not only for the IPL but also the T20 World Cup, which will begin in June.

“It is such a beautiful thing. I am so much aware of my body because of it. I had never tried it before in my life. My point is always simple – If I go out, what is the point of coming back as the same Hardik? I have to come up with a better version of myself,” Pandya said in an interview with Star Sports.

“And my reason for taking this long break was not IPL. It is just one part of it. Post IPL, there is a bigger baby that is coming again, the World Cup. And I treat World Cups as my child. As many times as I can try and make sure that get them back, I’ll try. And this entire period of preparation is that if the end goal is to play the T20 World Cup at the best capacity and be the best version of myself,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pandya led Gujarat Titans to glory in IPL 2022 and also the franchise to the final in IPL 2023 but they could not cross the last hurdle against Chennai Super Kings.

Pandya will replace Rohit Sharma as captain and will have huge shoes to fill as the latter led MI to five titles between 2013 and 2023.

Mumbai Indians will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Gujarat Titans at their home ground of Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 24.