India’s allrounder, Hardik Pandya, faces further delay in his return to international cricket following a new setback with a shin injury, which will keep him out of the upcoming One-Day Internationals against Australia A. Reports indicate that Hardik has been advised a 15-day rest due to this injury.
Initially, Hardik was chosen for the India A squad set to compete in a three-match series in Puducherry starting from 6th October. This series was intended as a fitness test for him, particularly to assess his capability to bowl a full quota of 10 overs in preparation for India’s tour of New Zealand, featuring five ODIs beginning on 4th November.
It’s been a challenging period for Hardik, who hasn’t been free of pain while bowling. His absence from cricket started since the end of May during the Indian Premier League (IPL) due to various injuries. He has spent a significant amount of time at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, rehabilitating from back spasms and a leg strain, prior to the ODI series against Afghanistan in June.
Hardik experienced shin pain around his selection for the Afghanistan series, with scans later uncovering a tibia issue, necessitating a week’s rest. On 17th September, he attempted a fitness test, but didn’t complete the required 10 overs. A recurrence of the shin pain during a second fitness evaluation on 19th September prompted further scans, leading to advice for an additional two weeks of rest followed by another review.
Hardik has not participated in ODIs since the March 2025 Champions Trophy final. His fitness remains a concern ahead of the ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November 2027. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed the vital role both Hardik and bowler Jasprit Bumrah hold in the World Cup strategy. Gambhir highlighted, “Game time going into the World Cup is going to be extremely, extremely important. You can’t go to the World Cup half-cooked.”
Besides the ODIs, India will commence a series of five T20Is in New Zealand from 22nd October.
While the absence of a fit and ready Hardik Pandya continues to be a loss for India, the focus remains on comprehensive recovery to ensure he is at his best for the challenges ahead.
