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Hardik Pandya’s return to ODI cricket has suffered another setback after a fresh shin injury ruled him out of India A’s upcoming one-day series against Australia A. The all-rounder has been advised to take two weeks of complete rest before undergoing another assessment.
Pandya had been included in the India A squad subject to fitness clearance, with the three-match series in Puducherry expected to provide a test of his ability to bowl a full 10-over quota. His latest setback has now raised further questions over his availability for India’s upcoming ODI assignments, while former Australia captain Michael Clarke has expressed concerns about Hardik Pandya’s ability to remain on the field consistently.
Hardik Pandya suffers fresh injury setback
Pandya has not played an ODI since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, and his latest injury has further delayed his return to the 50-over format. He had been expected to use the Australia A series, beginning October 6, as an important fitness test before India’s five-match ODI tour of New Zealand from November 4.
Pandya's latest problem is understood to be a symptomatic right tibial bone stress response. There is no fracture or structural bone damage, but the issue has forced him into another period of rest. He first experienced pain around his shin before India's Afghanistan ODI series, with scans showing a tibia-related issue.
The all-rounder underwent a fitness test on September 17 and bowled during the session, although he did not complete the full 10-over requirement set by the BCCI's medical staff, team management and selectors. The shin pain resurfaced during another assessment on September 19, leading to a fresh scan and the recommendation for two weeks of complete rest.
Pandya has endured a difficult period with injuries since the IPL. He suffered back spasms during the tournament before dealing with a leg strain during his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. He played 10 of the 14 matches for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 but has not featured in competitive cricket since.
Michael Clarke questions Hardik Pandya’s ability to play back-to-back
Clarke believes Hardik Pandya's biggest challenge is not simply getting himself fit for one match but maintaining that fitness over a run of games. The former Australian captain pointed to the all-rounder's recent struggles with playing consecutive matches.
Speaking on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast, Michael Clarke said Hardik Pandya needs regular time on the field to maintain his rhythm as both a batter and bowler.
"This comeback for Hardik has been rough. Throughout the IPL, he was super inconsistent with playing games back-to-back," he said.
"He is the type of player who needs to be on the field. His general fitness is solid. He doesn't carry much weight and is strong. But he needs to be batting in the middle and bowling overs."
But if you keep getting injured all the time, it's not good for Indian cricket - Shreevats Goswami
Former India batter Shreevats Goswami also highlighted the impact of Hardik Pandya's repeated injuries. While his physical appearance may suggest a high level of fitness, Goswami pointed out that recurring injuries remain a separate concern.
"It's not about how lean or fat you are. Injury and body are two different things. One would look at Hardik and think he's so fit.
"But if you keep getting injured all the time, it's not good for Indian cricket and world cricket as well. When Hardik Pandya plays, everybody wants to see him," Goswami said.
Pandya's next assessment will determine when he can resume bowling and begin building towards a competitive return.
Also Read: Bad News for India: Hardik Pandya faces fresh setback ahead of 2027 ODI World Cup
