The decision to leave Hardik Pandya out of the upcoming ODI

Dav Whatmore, former coach of Baroda, has expressed his disappointment with the decision to leave Hardik Pandya out of the upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka. Whatmore's comments highlight Pandya's recent struggles, such as a subpar IPL season with Mumbai Indians and missing out on the ODI World Cup due to injury.

Pandya's recent challenges have not gone unnoticed, with questions raised about his exclusion from the T20I captaincy which was given to Suryakumar Yadav instead. Despite being a key player, Pandya has not been actively involved in domestic white-ball cricket for quite some time.

Whatmore criticised the inconsistency in Pandya's inclusion in the national team compared to his absence in domestic tournaments, emphasising the importance of not neglecting first-class cricket.

It is expected that Pandya will return to domestic cricket soon, possibly featuring in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in the upcoming season. The BCCI is keen on ensuring players participate in all formats, including the Ranji Trophy, to improve their overall skills.

Ultimately, Whatmore's critique highlights the significance of players' involvement in domestic cricket and the necessity of a balanced approach to participating in different formats, especially considering Pandya's importance on the international stage.