Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is facing another injury setback that could further postpone his much-anticipated return to competitive cricket. With the selection committee meeting approaching for the T20I series against Afghanistan, Pandya has encountered a new leg issue that raises doubts about his participation in the matches scheduled to begin on September 13.
Pandya had been gearing up for this series as a significant comeback opportunity after an extended period on the sidelines due to injuries. Reports indicate that he had achieved full fitness and was actively training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. However, this recent discomfort has forced him to halt his bowling practice, putting his availability for the upcoming T20I series in jeopardy.
His last competitive appearance was for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL on May 24, where he showcased his skills before being sidelined. Since then, he was included in India's ODI squad against Afghanistan but had to withdraw due to a leg strain. Furthermore, he missed the entire white-ball tour of Ireland and England, which included eight T20Is and three ODIs, due to ongoing rehabilitation efforts.
A source close to the situation provided insight into Pandya's condition, stating, "Hardik Pandya was operating at full intensity without any discomfort but he has been advised to pause bowling due to discomfort in the leg. He will resume soon, but the Afghanistan series is too close to reach the required fitness levels. Batting and movement-wise, there wasn’t any significant issue, but the Centre of Excellence needs to be completely convinced before giving an all-clear." This statement highlights the cautious approach being taken by the medical team regarding his recovery.
Since the T20 World Cup in 2026, Pandya has missed several matches due to injuries. Specifically, he sat out three IPL matches with the Mumbai Indians due to illness and a recurring back issue. Additionally, he missed three ODIs against Afghanistan due to a quadriceps sprain and was sidelined during the tours of Ireland and England while continuing his rehabilitation. His absence from the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan is now highly likely following this latest leg discomfort.
As for his potential return, the medical team at the Centre of Excellence is adamant about ensuring that Pandya can bowl pain-free before allowing him to participate in matches. Given the tight schedule leading up to the Afghanistan series, his return is now projected to occur sometime in late September or October, contingent on a successful and uninterrupted training regimen. Moreover, his exclusion from India's squad for the Asian Games further indicates that his recovery process may take longer than initially anticipated.
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