Hardik Pandya faces fresh fitness setback ahead of Afghanistan T20I series
Hardik Pandya's much-awaited return to international cricket has encountered another obstacle after the all-rounder developed a late leg niggle while training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The development has put his participation in the upcoming three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which begins on September 13 in New Delhi, in doubt.
According to a source tracking developments, Pandya was operating at full intensity without any discomfort but 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 CoE needs to be completely convinced before giving an all-clear," the source said.
Pandya, 32, has not played a competitive match since turning out for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League on May 24. His last appearance for India was in the T20 World Cup final on March 8. He has since missed white-ball assignments against Afghanistan at home and the subsequent tours of Ireland and England. This is not the first time a late setback has derailed his comeback; he had earlier suffered a relapse with a low-grade quadriceps sprain before the ODI series against Afghanistan.
The Indian selectors are expected to meet this week to finalise the squad for the Afghanistan T20Is, and they will receive updates on the fitness of players currently recovering at the BCCI Centre of Excellence. Reports suggest that Pandya, who had been making good progress in his recovery, is now likely to miss the series due to the late leg problem.
Meanwhile, all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are reported to be progressing well in their recovery and are in contention for the series. Reddy, who is undergoing rehabilitation at the CoE, is set to regain full fitness and could be named in the squad. Sundar, who suffered an injury during the ODI series against England, is said to be recovering well and could be added to the squad to provide variety to the attack.
Jasprit Bumrah remains another concern for the selectors. The fast bowler is still recovering from a knee injury sustained during the ODI series against England and is described as touch-and-go for the T20I series. However, Bumrah is said to be on track for the Asian Games.
As the selectors prepare to pick the squad, the fitness status of key players remains a major talking point. While the team will be hoping for positive news, the latest setback for Pandya is a significant blow to India's plans for the series against Afghanistan.