In what has come as a massive development, star Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been unofficially ruled out of India’s next ODI series, which will be against England. After a run of seven T20 internationals, India will play three one-day internationals in England on July 14, 16 and 19.
While India’s squad for the ODIs isn’t announced yet, it can be understood that Pandya won’t be featuring in England. As per SportsTak, he has failed to bowl a full quota of ten overs at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. The selection panel has previously stated the desire to see Pandya ready to bowl ten overs in ODIs. However, Pandya hasn’t regained that level of fitness yet. While there might be nothing major, he still needs time to be at his hundred percent.
Injured Hardik Pandya still leaves India waiting
This is another frustrating setback for the Mumbai Indians skipper, who was all set to make his return during the recently-concluded Afghanistan ODI series. In fact, Pandya had spent a week training at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and had successfully completed high-intensity sessions, match simulations and workload assessments. By all accounts, his comeback was virtually sealed.
However, just hours before he was due to leave for Dharamsala, Pandya felt discomfort in his quadriceps. Subsequent scans confirmed a strain, forcing him out of the Afghanistan series. The injury wasn’t considered serious, but it was enough to halt his comeback plans at the last moment and put his availability for the England ODIs in doubt.
India vs England ODI series schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 14, 2026 | 1st ODI – England vs India | Edgbaston, Birmingham | 3:30 PM |
| July 16, 2026 | 2nd ODI – England vs India | Sophia Gardens, Cardiff | 5:30 PM |
| July 19, 2026 | 3rd ODI – England vs India | Lord’s, London | 3:30 PM |
India’s management have been particularly cautious with Pandya because of the role they expect him to play in the 50-over format. The selectors want him to operate as a genuine all-rounder capable of bowling a complete spell if required. Since he is still unable to consistently bowl ten overs, the decision has been taken to give him additional time off.
After all, just like Jasprit Bumrah, Pandya is also nearly irreplaceable. Although Nitish Kumar Reddy is slowly going up the ranks, there’s no one like Pandya. His absence could once again open the door for Reddy, who featured in the two ODIs against Afghanistan and continues to be viewed as a long-term all-round option.
