India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has taken a big step to save his international career. After his latest injury setback, he has decided to shift to Bengaluru for regular training purposes at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (COE). He has rented a place and is set to visit the COE, his permanent training facility, whenever he is not playing competitive cricket. The centrally contracted players often visit the facility for rehabilitation, fitness tests and camps. The youth camps are also organised by the Indian cricket board while keeping the grounds open for other sports as well.

Pandya is planning to use the COE as his permanent training base for the remainder of his career.

According to PTI, the star player was finding it difficult to train in Mumbai due to the travel time. By living close to the COE in Bengaluru, he can use the world-class facilities to remain in shape for international and domestic assignments.

“Hardik has shifted to Bengaluru. He has rented a place on the outskirts of the city, which is close to the COE. He is the first Indian cricketer to make the COE his permanent training hub for the remainder of his career,” the BCCI source said.

Pandya has been residing in Mumbai for a long time, and he is expected to take the help of his personal physiotherapist and strength and conditioning coach in association with the COE staff.

He is currently out of action due to a quadriceps injury that made him unavailable for the tours of Ireland and England. He has paid a visit to the  CoE several times for rehabilitation and fitness issues.

The source further revealed that Hardik has relocated to extend his playing days, with the player eyeing another five to six years in white-ball cricket. He paid from his pocket for the optional skill sessions and practice bowlers arranged by the COE. After the tour of England, India will compete against Zimbabwe, and Pandya is targeting a return in that away series.