India squad for IND vs WI ODIs to be announced on THIS day; Know here
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Hardik Pandya has been named in India A’s squad for the upcoming ODI series against Australia A.
Some interesting dilemmas have surfaced as India prepare for their next one-day series against the West Indies. Given that the three-match ODI series begins on September 27 and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 has become part of the larger equation now, the selectors have quite a few things to take into account while making decisions.
The three-match ODI series starts at the end of this month, and the squad for the series is likely to be released anytime soon. All eyes are set on the release of the squad, as Indian selectors have several pathbreaking decisions to make. Recent reports have suggested that the squad is likely to be released in the forthcoming week.
The absence of quality all-rounders, especially those who can deliver with pace, remains a big dilemma at the moment. Hardik Pandya has missed the cut for India since the 2026 IPL after suffering an injury, but his return seems imminent now. In fact, he has been included in the India A squad for the upcoming one-day series against Australia A, provided he passes the fitness tests.
When will India squad for West Indies ODIs get announced?
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According to Kushan Sarkar of PTI, the selectors are expected to pick the Indian squad for West Indies series on September 16. Also, team for the Irani Cup will be announced that day as well.
This would provide time to consider the latest reports on their fitness before taking the call. This would also help in identifying the players who have been released for the domestic season.
At the moment, it seems like there has been a deliberate approach in Pandya’s case. The Indian team knows what he is capable of when he is at full fitness; the bigger concern is whether he is physically fit for international cricket.
Hardik Pandya’s return: Will India pick him for West Indies ODIs?
According to Kushan Sarkar of PTI, Hardik Pandya is expected to be fit for competitive cricket from around September 20, putting his name firmly into the selection conversation.
However, medical fitness and readiness to play international ODI cricket are two separate things. Pandya has not played any competitive cricket since IPL 2026, and selectors are seen to want him to show his match fitness before being inducted directly into the senior team.
The importance is clear. India does not have an inexhaustible number of genuine pace bowlers and all-rounders, especially ones who can bat at the middle order while delivering many overs.
The selection of Pandya for India A squad seems to be made just with a view to filling up the lacunae. He is expected to get himself accustomed to competitive cricket through Australia ODIs before returning to the senior squad. The series is slated to take place on October 6, 9 and 11 in Pondicherry.
Such a plan will ensure that he does not play in the ODIs against West Indies, which start on September 27 and continue till October 3.
Is Hardik Pandya declared fit for the West Indies ODIs?
No, Hardik Pandya has not been declared fully fit for India’s upcoming ODI series against the West Indies.
Will Hardik Pandya play for India A squad against Australia A?
Hardik Pandya has been named in the India A Squad for the three-match one-day series against Australia A, but his participation remains subject to fitness clearance.
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