Hardik Pandya during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and USA at Wankhede Stadium on February 07, 2026 in Mumbai, India. (Photo/Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya ‘s return to competitive cricket has been delayed again as the all-rounder is set to miss the three India A fixtures against Australia A in Puducherry starting October 6. The 32-year-old was inching closer to a return to cricket but the recurring shin issue has derailed all the progress he made at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in the last few months. With no physical activity for the next 10-15 days, it remains highly doubtful that Pandya will be available for the T20Is against New Zealand next month as well. The team management’s frustrating wait for their premier all-rounder continues, but they understand that a rushed approach will not be followed as the 2027 World Cup remains the ultimate goal. Stay updated with the latest Asian Games 2026 news , check the Asian Games medal tally and complete Asian Games schedule .
The BCCI medical team monitoring him has advised further rest. Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines It was the same issue that ruled him out of selection for the Afghanistan T20Is. The selectors would also operate with caution when considering him directly for the ODIs which follow the five T20Is. There is no official word from the Indian cricket board yet and it remains to be seen who they draft in as Pandya’s replacements for the three India A games. Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.
The all-rounder experienced pain in his right shin again earlier this week and underwent a fresh set of scans. It is understood that he was also being considered for a late entry into the Asian Games but the unfortunate turn of events occurred close to selection day – first before the Afghanistan ODIs and then later for the T20Is against the same opposition.