Hardik Pandya Injured Again, Return to Action Uncertain

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has suffered a fresh leg injury, ruling him out of the 50-over series against Australia A next month. The BCCI medical department has advised him to take complete rest for 15 days for treatment.

Hardik was scheduled to feature in the India A series, which is set to begin in Puducherry on October 6. He was included in the squad to assess whether he would be fit enough to bowl 10 overs consistently in matches ahead of India’s tour of New Zealand in November. However, he was unable to bowl without experiencing pain.

Hardik has been out of action since suffering a back problem during the IPL in May. He later developed a strain in his leg while undergoing rehabilitation in Bengaluru, followed by fresh pain in his shin bone, or tibia. He experienced the pain again while undergoing fitness tests on September 17 and 19.

Hardik has not played an ODI for India since March last year. Although he remains part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup, his return has been repeatedly delayed due to recurring injuries. As a result, there are growing concerns over whether he will get enough match practice before the New Zealand series.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has said that Hardik is a very important player for the World Cup. However, he stressed that players need to be fully fit and have sufficient match experience before entering a major tournament. The latest injury has further raised doubts over Hardik’s fitness and his return to international cricket.