India’s premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya has once again found himself on the sidelines due to injury. In what has unfortunately become a recurring theme over the past decade, Pandya sustained a quadriceps injury during a dead-rubber clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025. The setback ruled him out of not just the final against Pakistan, but also the ongoing white-ball tour of Australia.
Nitish Reddy Debuts as Pandya’s Replacement in Australia ODIs
With Pandya unavailable, India were forced to hand a maiden ODI cap to young all-rounder Nitish Reddy in the first match of the three-game series against Australia in Perth. While the team management has high hopes from the youngster, Pandya’s absence left a notable void in the squad, especially with his experience and balance proving crucial in recent years.
Fortunately, there is some encouraging news for Indian cricket fans. According to a Times of India report, Hardik Pandya is expected to return in time for the upcoming home series against South Africa, which kicks off on November 30. The series comprises three ODIs and five T20Is, and Pandya is believed to be targeting a comeback during this window.
Pandya Undergoes Rehab at BCCI’s Center of Excellence in Bengaluru
The report reveals that Pandya has already begun rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. Thankfully, the quadriceps injury is not serious enough to require surgery. Medical assessments have shown no major concerns, and the 32-year-old has resumed light training after taking a short break for Diwali festivities.
He is expected to spend the next four weeks focusing on regaining full fitness under the supervision of the BCCI medical team. The current plan aims for him to be match-fit by the end of November, just in time for the first game against South Africa.
Pandya’s fitness has long been a concern for the Indian team management. While he managed to stay injury-free during the 2024 T20 World Cup and 2025 Champions Trophy — both of which India won unbeaten — his injury in the middle of the 2023 ODI World Cup proved disastrous. Without him, the team struggled to find the right balance, ultimately leading to a heartbreaking defeat in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, in front of a packed home crowd.
As India gear up for a packed cricketing calendar, including preparations for the 2026 T20 World Cup, a fully fit Hardik Pandya will be vital. His return against South Africa could not come at a better time, both for his own career and for India’s white-ball ambitions.
