Hardik Pandya’s recurring fitness issues have become a concern for the Indian cricket team as the management looks to assess his latest setback. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia is scheduled to meet chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir in Mumbai on Thursday to discuss the all-rounder’s fitness.
Pandya was expected to return during India’s upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, starting September 13. However, he suffered another injury setback during his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), putting his comeback in doubt and raising concerns over his availability for India’s long-term plans.
Hardik Pandya’s Fitness Remains a Concern Ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup
Hardik Pandya was left out of India’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan as he continues to deal with fitness issues. According to Jagran News, the all-rounder’s latest setback has raised concerns over his ability to contribute with the ball.
Pandya cannot bowl more than five or six overs in an ODI at present. His bowling remains important to India’s plans, especially with the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa. The selectors will closely monitor his fitness before making further decisions on his availability.
Pandya has not played an ODI since India’s four-wicket win over New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy final. He has also been out of action since India’s T20 World Cup triumph in March. A leg strain suffered after his initial selection ruled him out of India’s Ireland and England white-ball tours.
BCCI Monitoring Hardik Pandya’s Road to 2027 World Cup
Hardik Pandya’s latest setback has complicated India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup. He was expected to return in the T20I series against Afghanistan but suffered a fresh leg niggle while bowling during rehabilitation. The setback has forced him to pause his bowling workload.
The issue does not appear to have affected Pandya’s batting movements, but his ability to bowl remains crucial to India’s plans. The selectors have also picked several players who can contribute with both bat and ball, giving the team more options in his absence.
Pandya has not played for India since the T20 World Cup final on March 8. His last competitive appearance came for Mumbai Indians on May 24. With his recovery timeline still unclear, India will continue to monitor his fitness before planning his return.
Hardik Pandya’s Injury Issues Continue After IPL 2026
Hardik Pandya has been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) after suffering left quadriceps and calf injuries during IPL 2026. He also missed matches towards the end of the tournament due to back spasms.
Pandya scored 206 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 138.25 and took four wickets at an economy rate of 11.42. Under his captaincy, Mumbai Indians won only four of 14 league matches and finished ninth, missing the playoffs.
Pandya’s priority is to complete his recovery before returning to action. However, the BCCI is yet to provide a clear timeframe for when the all-rounder could resume competitive cricket.
