Hardik Pandya dealing with fresh injury ahead of South Africa T20Is? Here's why all-rounder skipped practice
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Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya made his return to the Indian T20I setup following his recovery from a quadriceps injury during the final Super-4 game in the Asia Cup. Pandya did not turn up for the final optional practice session on Monday in Cuttack.
Alongside Shubman Gill, the vice captain of the Indian team, Pandya, the veteran all-rounder, is also set to make a return to the shortest format of the game. The Indian all-rounder has returned from his injury since the Asia Cup final.
After Pandya missed the Australian tour and the ODI leg of the South Africa tour as well, he is back with some cameos in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, playing for Baroda. The all-rounder has shown his calibre with both bat and ball.
Hardik Pandya did not turn up for the practice session on Monday
Pandya was named in the Indian squad for the South Africa series, and he replaced Rinku Singh in the squad.
The veteran all-rounder did not turn up for the final session of India's practice on Monday, and the reports have raised a doubt over the all-rounder sustaining another injury. Pandya turned down practice on the eve of the matchday after having practiced till late on Sunday.
"Hardik Pandya didn't turn up for the practice session because he trained last evening. He's completely fit," a RevSportz reporter reported.
Hardik Pandya didn't turn up for the practice session because he trained last evening. He's completely fit.
— Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) December 8, 2025
Hardik Pandya launched sixes for fun in the nets
Pandya launched some humongous sixes in the nets as he arrived alongside the Indian contingent to Cuttack. The veteran all-rounder was making his comeback to International cricket after two months off.
Though he came off a pretty good Syed Mushtaq Ali season, Hardik was seen toiling hard in the nets. Pandya launched the Indian net bowlers off as he smacked the balls out of the park with ease.
He also bowled for around 20 minutes with the ball, and during the spell, he beamed with full pace, almost geared up to take the new ball again alongside Jasprit Bumrah.
Hardik Pandya's SMAT 2025 form ahead of the South Africa series
Pandya returned to play for Baroda under the captaincy of his brother Krunal Pandya in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2025. He first played against Punjab on the 2nd of December and led them to a win with a stunning show with the bat. His 77-run innings made him the player of the match.
The next game he played was against Gujarat, where Pandya bowled a four-over spell and picked a wicket, giving away just 16 runs. He then also scored an unbeaten 10 runs off the bat to help Baroda chase a 74-run target.
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India National Cricket Team South Africa National Cricket Team India vs South Africa South Africa vs India Hardik Pandya Asia Cup Syed Mushtaq Ali TrophyAbout the Author
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