Hardik Pandya’s long-awaited comeback to international cricket has suffered another setback, as the all-rounder encountered a leg injury during training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pandya, who has been making steady progress in his recovery, was working towards regaining his bowling fitness. The latest setback makes his participation in the T20I series against Afghanistan highly questionable. Pandya has not played a match for the national team since his last appearance for Mumbai Indians in the IPL on May 24.
Reasons Behind the Delayed Comeback to the Indian Team
Hardik Pandya’s latest setback has occurred at a crucial moment in his comeback to international cricket. According to the reports, the all-rounder was performing a high-intensity training session without any issues before being advised to refrain from bowling for the time being. His batting and movement were not impacted in any way, but it is necessary for the BCCI’s medical and performance staff to ensure he reaches the desired level of fitness before considering him for selection.
The latest injury setback for Hardik Pandya occurred as he was working on his game at the BCCI Centre of Excellence
He has reportedly been told to refrain from bowling for the time being following concerns about his leg
Pandya’s participation in the T20I series against Afghanistan is now in jeopardy.
The selectors have to make their final judgment on the BCCI’s medical and performance staff’s recommendation.
Previous Injuries Claimed Another Comeback for Hardik Pandya
The all-rounder’s latest problems came after he spent some time recovering from back spasms that forced him to sit out several crucial IPL 2026 matches. Hardik Pandya was sent to the BCCI Centre of Excellence to rehabilitate his lower back and make a return to competitive cricket. He was cleared for the T20I clash against Afghanistan after completing match simulations and bowling a full 10-over innings in June. However, the ODI series against Afghanistan was forfeited by Pandya as he sustained a quadriceps muscle injury.
Hardik Pandya faced yet another setback as he missed out on the England ODI series due to inadequate fitness levels for the 50-over format. The BCCI is now prioritizing the all-rounder’s long-term health over his short-term requirements for particular bilateral series. According to reports in mid-July, Pandya’s rehabilitation is being guided by the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Afghanistan Series Against T20I Now at Risk
The all-rounder’s return to international cricket will be determined by the latest injury setbacks. With his all-around credentials, Pandya offers the depth and flexibility in both departments that the Indian team so desperately needs. However, the BCCI is unlikely to risk his fitness in an ill-advised attempt to get him to face Afghanistan in the T20I series that begins in Delhi on September 13. The T20I series against Afghanistan will be played in three matches.
At the same time, the BCCI is delighted to have Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar close to full fitness. Jasprit Bumrah and his knee injury concerns will also be discussed in detail by the medical staff. There are many crucial calls to be made by the Indian team management before the Afghanistan series.
Key Highlights
Injury setback: Hardik Pandya was involved in a fresh fitness hazard at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
Bowling concerns: Pandya’s bowling workload has been restricted for the time being following his leg discomfort.
T20I uncertainties: Pandya’s availability for the Afghanistan series is now in jeopardy.
Long-term planning: The BCCI is focusing on the long-term game in order to get him back to full fitness.
2027 ODI World Cup: Pandya’s rehabilitation is being guided by the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Hardik Pandya’s recent absence from competitive cricket: The all-rounder has not played a match in the last couple of months.
Pandya’s latest injury setback has come at a crucial moment in his rehabilitation. As of now, the all-rounder has been advised to refrain from bowling for a while, and his participation in the T20I series against Afghanistan is now in jeopardy. Hardik Pandya will not risk his fitness in an ill-conceived effort to get him back into international cricket. For the time being, the BCCI needs to wait for the medical and performance staff’s recommendations.
