India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s much-anticipated return to international cricket has been thrown into doubt after he experienced renewed discomfort in his leg during rehabilitation, raising serious questions over his availability for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan.
Pandya had been undergoing rehabilitation at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru and had been making steady progress. He had successfully completed several stages of his fitness programme and had also resumed bowling at full intensity. The plan was for the 32-year-old to make his international comeback in India’s three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
That prospect has now suffered a setback. The recurrence of discomfort has prompted medical and support staff to take a cautious approach, with Pandya advised to temporarily stop bowling. Although there is no significant concern over his batting or general movement, his ability to withstand the demands of competitive international cricket remains under assessment.
A BCCI official indicated that Pandya had not previously experienced any major difficulty while bowling during his rehabilitation. The latest discomfort, however, has led the team to prioritise caution rather than risk aggravating the problem. He could resume bowling shortly, but the limited time before the Afghanistan series makes it difficult for him to build the match fitness required at international level.
India are scheduled to begin the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan in Delhi on 13 September. With the squad expected to be announced this week, Pandya’s latest setback has come at an especially inconvenient stage. His selection will depend on whether the medical and training staff are satisfied that he has regained sufficient fitness.
Pandya’s prolonged absence has been particularly significant for India because of his role as a pace-bowling all-rounder. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides the team with greater flexibility in T20 cricket. He is also an important option for balancing the side, allowing India to adjust the combination of specialist batters, bowlers and all-rounders.
The latest problem could also affect his prospects for the upcoming Asian Games. Any delay in returning to full bowling fitness would reduce the time available for him to regain competitive rhythm before another major international assignment.
Pandya last appeared in competitive cricket for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on 24 May. His most recent appearance for India came in the T20 World Cup final on 8 March. Since then, his rehabilitation has been closely monitored as he has worked towards a return.
India have received some encouraging news elsewhere in the squad. Pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has regained fitness and is available as another option, while spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar could also become match-ready before the Afghanistan series. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, however, is not expected to feature in the series.
For Pandya, the immediate priority is therefore not simply to return to the squad but to ensure that his body is ready for the intensity of international cricket. With his bowling workload now being managed cautiously, India are likely to wait for clearer signs of full fitness before making a final decision on his return.
