Breaking: Hardik Pandya Ruled Out Of New Zealand Test Series

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Saturday, confirmed that Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand. The allrounder is not a part of the ongoing T20I series and the upcoming ODI series but was expected to make it to the Test team.

Hardik Pandya has not played for India since September due to a back problem. He underwent a surgery on his back in October and has almost recovered. He was recently named in India A squad for the one-day games in New Zealand but was pulled out of the squad as he was still not match ready. But last month, he was seen bowling in the nets to Team India before the Mumbai ODI against Australia.

Hardik Pandya did not look in trouble at all as he bowled to his teammates. It raised hopes that he might return to action during the upcoming Test series in New Zealand. However, the BCCI has confirmed that the player would take longer than expected to return to the cricket field. Pandya would now undergo a rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy.

“Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has been ruled out of the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. He travelled to London and was accompanied by NCA Head Physio Ashish Kaushik for a review by spinal surgeon Dr James Allibone,” BCCI stated in a release.

“Hardik will be under rehab at the National Cricket Academy until he regains full match fitness,” read the release.

India, meanwhile, have started their tour of New Zealand in a stunning manner. The Men in Blue have already sealed the ongoing five-match T20I series against the hosts and are now just one win away from inflicting a heavy whitewash on the Black Caps. India are leading the series 4-0. The fifth and final T20I will take place on Sunday (February 2).

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