Indian group all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly accomplished an intensive rehabilitation program on the BCCI’s Heart of Excellence forward of the five-match T20I collection in opposition to South Africa. In response to a report in PTI, Hardik is anticipated to make a comeback for the Males in Blue within the T20I collection.
Pandya has been sidelined since injuring his left quadriceps through the 2025 Asia Cup. The all-rounder missed the Asia Cup last in opposition to Pakistan. He was not even included within the white-ball squad for the Australia tour. His restoration took longer than anticipated and he was subsequently additionally excluded from the South African ODIs.
Hardik Pandya completes CoE return program and cleared to play T20 cricket
Hardik Pandya has accomplished the Return to Play program at BCCI Heart of Excellence. He educated in Bangalore from October 21 to November 30 and was declared match to play in T20 cricket once more.
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The BCCI had already deliberate to make use of Hardik solely in T20Is as India gears up for the 2026 T20 World Cup. His being cleared to bowl and bat once more was an enormous increase for the group.
As a part of his comeback, Hardik might be a part of Baroda within the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. He plans to check his health and see how his physique responds to the calls for of a full match.
Hardik Pandya to play two matches of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Baroda
PTI reported that Hardik Pandya is anticipated to play at the least two matches within the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He’ll play within the match in opposition to Punjab on December 2nd, adopted by the match in opposition to Gujarat on December 4th.
The 32-year-old cricketer can be more likely to characteristic within the third match in opposition to Haryana on December 6. It will give selectors a clearer concept of whether or not he’s totally prepared for a global return. Selector Pragyan Ojha has been assigned to watch Hardik’s efficiency on this home section.
Ojha will share common updates with Indian selectors and group administration. Hardik is a key determine for India’s T20I plans. His function as a finisher with the bat and as an all-rounder with seam bowling brings steadiness to the group.
India start South Africa T20I collection in Cuttack on December 9
India and South Africa will start the T20I collection in Cuttack on December 9 and the remaining matches might be performed at venues reminiscent of Mullanpur. Hardik Pandya is anticipated to affix the Indian squad for the collection as soon as he finishes the match in Baroda with none well being points.
His return can be a part of BCCI’s long-term workload plan. With the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching, the board desires to permit him to deal with the codecs the place he’s most beneficial and doesn’t wish to rush him into ODIs, that are much less essential in the intervening time.
Pandya made his debut for India in 2016. He has turn out to be a mainstay in white-ball cricket and has already performed 94 ODIs and 120 T20Is for the nationwide group.
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