Unfit Hardik Pandya to miss ODI series against South Africa; To make comeback in the T20I series - Reports

Karan is a passionate cricket writer with a sharp eye for the game’s nuances.

Published at :November 20, 2025 at 7:21 PM

Modified at :November 20, 2025 at 7:22 PM

(Courtesy : ACC)

Hardik Pandya has been out of action since sustaining quadriceps injury in Asia Cup 2025.

India are gearing up for second of the two-match test against South Africa in Guwahati starting on November 22. It will be followed by a three-match ODI series, and the fans are excited for it because Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be in action.

But, the hosts are likely to head into the ODIs without their premier all-rounder, Hardik Pandya. The 32-year-old will be missing the three ODIs slated to be played in Ranchi, Raipur, and Vishakhapatnam on November 30, December 3, and December 6 respectively.

As per a report in the Times of India, Hardik is expected to return in the Indian colors during the five-match T20I series against the Proteas, starting on December 9. The all-rounder missed the final of Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan.

Hardik Pandya to make his comeback for India in the South Africa T20Is – Report

Hardik sustained a quadriceps injury during Asia Cup 2025, which has kept him away from cricket for almost two months. He completed his rehab at the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) Centre of Excellence (CoE) with proper training sessions. He was also expected to make his return for Baroda in Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025-26.

But, according to the latest report in TOI, Pandya’s return has been delayed and he is likely to return during third round of SMAT 2025-26 on November 30. The report further mentioned that the BCCI CoE is not in favour of rushing Hardik, which is why he might not take part in the ODI series against South Africa at home.

The shareholders want Hardik to be ready for the South Africa T20Is as the T20 World Cup 2026 is just a few months away.

A source said, “When the layoff is longer and scheduling permits, T20s are seen as the ideal fixture to test the body and then gradually increase the workload.”

Now the big question is who will replace Hardik in India’s ODI squad. India badly missed him during the ODI series in Australia, which they lost 1-2. With India grooming Nitish Kumar Reddy for the all-rounder’s spot, he is most likely to make it to the squad for the South Africa ODIs.

When will Hardik Pandya make his India comeback?

According to reports, Hardik Pandya will make his India comeback during the home T20I series against South Africa.

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Karan Rawat

Karan Rawat is a seasoned cricket writer with a deep passion for the game and over 5 years of experience covering everything that the game can offer. He loves to share the analysis, match reports, and player profiles and tries to bring stories to life with a unique blend of statistics and storytelling. Whether breaking down Test match tactics or capturing the drama of a T20 thriller, Karan's work connects fans with the soul of the sport.