My body is ready to handle an increased bowling workload: Hardik Pandya

Trinidad: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has spoken about the amount of bowling workload he can handle, as India amp up their preparations for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup later this year.

Pandya believes that his body is ready to handle an increased bowling workload but he will still adopt a cautious approach in the build-up to the World Cup.

India are currently engaged in a three-match ODI series against the West Indies which is currently tied 1-1 and Hardik is yet to complete his bowling quota of 10 overs in either of the two matches so far, an ICC report on Monday said.

Pandya has bowled 9.4 overs across the two games – three overs in the first match and 6.4 overs in the second where he was leading the side in Rohit Sharma's absence.

Despite bowling in a limited capacity, Hardik has reassured everyone that there is no reason to worry about any niggling injuries or about his fitness, stating, "My body is fine. I have to bowl more overs and get my workload up for the World Cup."

"I'm a turtle right now, not the rabbit and hoping everything goes right as the World Cup comes on," he said.

After comprehensively winning the first ODI against West Indies in Barbados, the Indian team were handed a defeat in the second match at the same venue as the hosts valiantly fought back.

India were bowled out for 181, with the West Indies chasing down the target in 36.4 overs with six wickets in hand.

The deciding contest will be played in Trinidad on Tuesday and Pandya is relishing the challenge ahead.

"To be honest, you want to be going 1-1 to the third game as it'll be more challenging and exciting. They will be tested; we will be tested now that the series stands 1-1. The next game will be exciting for the viewers as well as the players," he added. (UNI)