It came as a huge surprise when Hardik Pandya got ruled out of the ACC Asia Cup final against Pakistan. India replaced him with Shivam Dube, who had a terrific match but Pandya’s absence was clearly shown. The former T20I captain is an irreplaceable jigsaw in the current Indian white-ball setup and his recovery would be watched closely by the management.
Thus, Pandya has reported to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)’s Centre of Excellence. As per the Times of India, the pace-bowling all-rounder will reach Bengaluru today (October 14) itself and will work with BCCI’s physios and medical staff in order to recover from the quadriceps injury he suffered on his left leg. He was adviced by the BCCI medical team to rest and now the future course of action would be decided.
When will Hardik Pandya make India comeback?
With the skillset Hardik Pandya brings, he is undroppable. While he has stopped playing red-ball cricket due to his injury concerns, he is a match-winner in both T20Is and ODIs. He can perform various roles with the ball, bat almost anywhere and is one of the best finishers India have.
Now, India would miss him in the upcoming three ODIs and five T20Is against Australia, beginning from October 19. This would be a perfect time for the Men in Blue to test themselves without Pandya. Nitish Kumar Reddy has been zeroed in as a bright seam-bowling all-rounder prospect. He is a three-format player now, with him being selected in both Australia ODIs and T20Is. Shivam Dube is another option in T20Is, who will definitely start after a successful Asia Cup 2025.
The next white-ball series for India after Australia would be a home series against South Africa. The Proteas will have a long 35-day tour of India, where they will play two Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is. That is where Pandya is most likely to be fit.
