When India’s ODI squad for England was announced, Hardik Pandya was the biggest name absent. Virat Kohli was included despite carrying a fitness disclaimer. Even Jasprit Bumrah, who hasn’t played the format since November 2023, walked straight back into the side after being rested. Pandya, however, wasn’t there. It was a bit surprising but was on the cards too.
After all, Hardik had already recovered from the back spasms that troubled him during IPL 2026. The expectation was that he would return in time for the England ODIs and resume his role as India’s premier pace-bowling all-rounder. Instead, the selectors left him out altogether.
Now, as per Times of India, rather than rushing himself back into international cricket, Hardik has voluntarily joined the BCCI Centre of Excellence’s newly introduced performance block programme. It is a specialised initiative designed to help centrally contracted players work on fitness, workload management and cricket-specific skills throughout the year. The target for Pandya isn’t England. The target is the ODI World Cup in 2027.
Hardik Pandya injury update
After overcoming the back issue that limited him during the IPL 2026, the all-rounder suffered a leg injury while preparing for his return. Earlier this year, he had also missed India’s tour of Australia after sustaining a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup 2025.
That run of injuries has forced both Hardik and the team management to no longer look at quick fixes but just have a long-term vision.
According to reports, one of the concerns remains Hardik’s ability to consistently shoulder the demands of ODI cricket. Unlike T20s, where he can operate in shorter bursts, the 50-over format requires him to be capable of delivering a full bowling workload whenever required.
The newly created performance block is designed for exactly these situations. “The CoE was largely a rehab centre for international cricketers. The cricketing programmes were restricted to age-group and zonal camps. Now, India players can come at any time and have very specialised sessions to work on minute things in their game. There will be a dedicated coaching staff working with the players. Also, under this programme, an injured player can only be cleared as fit to play for India if he is playing to his potential,” a BCCI source told Times of India.
More importantly, the programme introduces a new benchmark. Players recovering from injuries will not simply need to be match-fit. They must be capable of performing at the level expected from an international cricketer before receiving clearance.
ICC 2027 ODI World Cup the plan
There is no questioning how important Hardik is to India’s ODI setup. Over the past few ICC events, he has been the player who brings incredible balance to the side, allowing India to adjust their combinations with ease. When fully fit, he is a bankable 10-over bowler and that’s what BCCI wants from him. He is worth two players in one when fully fit and available. Also, the conditions in South Africa will favour his game hugely. He bangs in hard and gets the ball to kick off the deck. That kinda works immensely in Africa.
That is exactly why both the selectors and Hardik himself are being cautious with his return. “Hardik is very clear in his mind that he won’t take the field for India unless at the top of his game—both physically and cricket wise. He doesn’t want to push himself and jeopardise his body with the ODI World Cup 16 months away. He contacted CoE and joined the performance block. He wants to work on specific cricket skills besides attaining prime fitness.”
With around 16 months to go before the ODI World Cup, Hardik seems prepared to skip a bilateral series now if it helps him be at his best when it matters most.
