A week after getting fitness clearance, Hardik Pandya has suffered another injury scare. The all-rounder is coming back from a two-month layoff following a left quadriceps injury that he sustained during the 2025 Asia Cup.
Hardik featured in two Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) matches for Baroda, bowling his quota of four overs in both. He left his domestic team early and arrived in Cuttack for the India vs South Africa 1st T20I on December 6.
Hardik Pandya skips practice in Cuttack
The all-rounder trained alone at the Barabati Stadium on Sunday. Hardik went through an elaborate warm-up, including stretching and running drills. Accompanied by throwdown specialists Nuwan Seneviratne and Dayanand Garani, Hardik bowled for just 20 minutes before experiencing some discomfort.
He was massaged for about 20 minutes and then hit the nets for batting practice. All seemed well until today, as he was missing from India’s last practice session before the India vs South Africa 1st T20I.
According to Cricbuzz, Hardik skipped training as a precaution and doesn’t have a niggle. Initially, he was supposed to play 3 matches for Baroda, but the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided that two were enough. With the 2026 T20 World Cup around the corner, it’s better to be safe than sorry, especially for a non-replaceable player like Hardik.
Shubman Gill trains hard
As for other players, Shubman Gill, who’s also coming back from an injury, batted for 2 hours in the net. He and Sanju Samson faced Jasprit Bumrah and other local net bowlers.
Suryakumar Yadav worked on his play against the spinners Varun Chakaravarthy, Abhishek, Axar Patel, and a few net bowlers. Jitesh Sharma and Washington Sundar were working on power-hitting with the help of throwdown specialists.
Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma were spotted bowling for a significant amount of time, suggesting they might be in action with the ball in the coming matches.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
10 T20Is to go, Team India begin 'home stretch' of T20 World Cup prep with IND vs SA T20I series
Top Stories
