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Star India National Cricket Team all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to make his return to international cricket during India's upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in September. The all-rounder has been recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and is now working towards regaining full fitness after another minor setback during his rehabilitation.
According to a latest report by The Times of India, Pandya is expected to be available for the Afghanistan series, which will begin in New Delhi on September 13. He has reportedly been bowling up to 10 overs in training sessions and spending considerable time batting in the nets as he builds up his workload.
Hardik Pandya comeback date confirmed after latest injury setback
The all-rounder's recovery was briefly interrupted after he developed pain in his right calf while stepping up his bowling workload following a left quadriceps injury. Medical examinations did not reveal any significant damage, but he was advised to temporarily avoid running and bowling as a precaution.
Hardik Pandya has responded well to treatment and has since resumed running. His bowling workload is now expected to increase gradually as he continues his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
TOI reported that Pandya has been bowling up to 10 overs during his training and is also batting extensively in the nets. The report further stated that he is expected to be available for India's three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
That series could therefore provide Pandya with his first opportunity to return to international action after his latest injury setback, provided he completes his rehabilitation and is cleared for selection.
Hardik Pandya's Gujarat Titans comeback blocked: Report
While Hardik Pandya continues to work on his fitness, his IPL future has also reportedly become a talking point. According to the same report, the all-rounder explored the possibility of returning to Gujarat Titans, the franchise he led to the IPL title in 2022 and the final in 2023.
However, the proposed move reportedly failed to progress after Hardik Pandya sought a return as captain. Gujarat Titans were said to be interested in bringing him back but were unwilling to replace Shubman Gill, who is now India's Test and ODI captain.
His leadership stint at Mumbai Indians has been turbulent since he replaced Rohit Sharma as captain in 2024. Hence, the all-rounder is seeking an exit.
Hardik Pandya comeback: India vs Afghanistan series details
Afghanistan will host India in a historic three-match T20I series in New Delhi in September, with all three matches scheduled at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The first T20I will be played on September 13, followed by the second on September 15 and the third on September 17.
The Afghanistan Cricket Board has highlighted the importance of the series for its cricketing relationship with India. ACB chairman Mirwais Ashraf said the series represents another significant step in the relationship between the two boards and expressed his gratitude towards the BCCI for its support.
“This series holds great significance for Afghanistan cricket and represents another important step in the development of our longstanding relationship with the BCCI. Hosting India for a bilateral series in India is a significant milestone for us, and we highly value the cooperation and support of the BCCI in making this event possible.”
Ashraf also said the series could create opportunities in commercial, technical and cricketing areas while strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
“We are confident that the series will create valuable opportunities across commercial, technical, and cricketing areas, while adding a new dimension to our bilateral engagement. We look forward to a successful series and to further strengthening our partnership with the BCCI.”
Also Read: 'If Hardik Pandya comes, Ruturaj Gaikwad will lose captaincy': Ex-CSK star
