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'Hardik Pandya rattles teammates' – Ajay Jadeja makes surprising claim on MI captain ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025

Divy Dubey

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'Hardik Pandya rattles teammates' – Ajay Jadeja makes surprising claim on MI captain ahead of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 image

(getty)

India's nine-wicket win over the UAE set the tone for their Asia Cup campaign but the real test comes next: the clash with Pakistan on September 14. In the build-up, plenty has been said about India's players and Hardik Pandya's name naturally comes up.

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Former cricketers Abhishek Nayar and Ajay Jadeja recently shared their thoughts on what makes the all-rounder tick - offering fresh insight into his preparation and mindset.

Abhishek Nayar on Hardik Pandya's preparation and fitness

Speaking on Sony Sports, Nayar revealed that Pandya spends more time working his bowling than his batting while placing major emphasis on his body and fitness.

"He practices a lot, but he practices bowling more than batting. He pays a lot of attention to his fitness, health, and body," Nayar said.

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He further explained that Pandya follows a strict routine involving yoga, nutrition focus and daily training sessions lasting over two hours. According to Nayar, this balance keeps him mentally sharp and physically ready for high-pressure games.

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Ajay Jadeja: Hardik Pandya's confidence unsettles others

Ajay Jadeja - also part of the discussion, praised Pandya's ability to stay calm in crunch moments, particularly against Pakistan.

"That's his strength. He has the skills, batting, bowling and fielding. He doesn't get rattled, although you might have seen his partners getting rattled at times," Jadeja said.

More: Should India play Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025? Kapil Dev weighs in on raging debate

He added that confidence has always been Pandya's strongest trait - even during Mumbai Indians' poor run in IPL 2024. For Jadeja, the fine line between confidence and overconfidence is what keeps Pandya interesting and dangerous on the field.

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Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.