Hardik Pandya Injured Again: Hardik Pandya Injury Raises Doubt Over Afghanistan T20I Return
Hardik Pandya has suffered fresh leg discomfort during rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, putting his much awaited return against Afghanistan under renewed doubt.
Hardik Pandya Injured Again: Hardik Pandya’s comeback to international cricket has hit another roadblock just days before India’s squad for the Afghanistan T20I series is expected to be finalised.
Pandya had been working towards full fitness at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru after spending months recovering from injury. Recent reports had suggested that he was progressing well and was expected to be available for the three match series.
However, the all rounder has now developed discomfort in his leg during training. He has reportedly been advised to pause bowling, raising fresh questions over whether he can obtain the required fitness clearance in time.
The Afghanistan T20I series begins on September 13 in New Delhi, with the next two matches scheduled for September 15 and 17. The BCCI has confirmed that all three games will be played at the Arun Jaitley Cricket Stadium.
Pandya’s latest setback comes after he had spent a long period away from international cricket while recovering from injury. His absence has already forced India to manage its all rounder options carefully, making his fitness particularly important ahead of the upcoming assignments.
The selection committee is expected to meet this week to pick the squad. Pandya’s medical assessment and fitness status will therefore play a key role in determining whether he gets another chance to return to the Indian side.
There is some encouragement elsewhere in the squad. Nitish Kumar Reddy is also progressing through his rehabilitation, while Washington Sundar is understood to be nearing the necessary clearance.
Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is another issue being monitored by the team management. With the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind, India is expected to manage his workload carefully rather than rush him back into action.
For Pandya, the immediate priority is now clear: regain full fitness without taking unnecessary risks. Whether that happens in time for the Afghanistan series should become clearer once the selectors receive the latest medical update.
