India's surprising plan for Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah in South Africa ODIs revealed

The India National Cricket Team is set to face the South African National Cricket Team in a three-match ODI series, starting November 30, after the ongoing two-match Test series. However, the hosts will be without two of their biggest stars, Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah.

Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah will reportedly be rested as India balances player fitness and preparation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at home and in Sri Lanka. The ODI series will see the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after their sensational performances in Sydney.

India set to rest Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah for South Africa ODIs

Speaking about Hardik Pandya, the star Indian all-rounder is still recovering from a quadriceps injury that he sustained during the Asia Cup 2025 in September.

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Keeping in mind the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2026, the Indian team management decided to rest Pandya from the South Africa ODIs to focus on the T20I format for now.

The injury had already ruled him out of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan, and the BCCI has decided it is too risky for him to play ODI cricket so soon.

Hardik Pandya set for SMAT fitness test before T20I comeback

Hardik will first prove his fitness in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025 for Baroda before returning to the national side for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand.

It is being said that Pandya will turn his attention back to ODI cricket after the IPL 2026, as the ICC World Cup 2027 is still two years away. Notably, India will also play three ODIs against New Zealand.

A BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI, “Hardik is recovering well from his quadriceps injury at the moment. He is at the Centre of Excellence doing his RTP (Return to Play) routines. As of now, returning from a quadriceps injury, he needs to build up his workload, and playing 50 overs straightaway will be risky. Till the T20 World Cup, the BCCI medical team and Hardik would focus on T20Is.”

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Jasprit Bumrah set to be rested for South Africa ODIs, set for T20I return

On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah will also be rested from the upcoming ODI series against South Africa. With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as the main focus, the management is keen on managing Bumrah’s workload to keep him fit for the mega event.

The Indian pacer had also missed the recent ODI series in Australia, and a PTI report claimed that he will miss the upcoming ODI matches against the Proteas side at home as well to manage his workload. Like Hardik Pandya, Bumrah will also return for the five-match T20I series against South Africa.

Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill doubtful for Proteas ODIs

On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer, India’s ODI vice-captain, will also miss the Proteas ODIs at home since he is in rehabilitation, having undergone a medical procedure for a ruptured spleen in Sydney.

Additionally, Indian captain Shubman Gill is also doubtful for the upcoming ODI series due to his neck injury. Gill is also uncertain to lead the side in the second and final Test against South Africa, starting on November 22 in Guwahati.