Major update on Hardik Pandya's return date; Star all-rounder likely to return in THIS tournament
(Courtesy : BCCI)
Hardik Pandya is expected to start jogging in three weeks.
Indian cricket has a busy schedule ahead. The team is gearing up for the upcoming New Zealand series. India will play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches on the tour. The team will look to perform well across all three formats.
However, India will be without some key players due to injuries. The team management will have to make changes to its plans and give other players a chance to perform.
After the New Zealand tour, India will also play white-ball series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe. These matches will be important for the Men in Blue as they prepare for their upcoming international fixtures.
Meanwhile, India have received a worrying update about star all-rounder Hardik Pandya. The Star player is recovering from a shin injury at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. His return to cricket could take longer than expected.
Hardik Pandya could return directly in IPL 2027
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According to a Dainik Jagran report, Hardik Pandya could return to competitive cricket during IPL 2027. The all-rounder is recovering from a stress injury on the inner side of his shin.
As per the report, Pandya could start jogging after three weeks. After that, his running workload will be increased slowly over the next eight weeks. However, he will need more time to regain full fitness after completing these steps. The medical team has not yet provided a firm return date.
Pandya has already been ruled out of India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand. He is also unlikely to be fit for the white-ball series against Sri Lanka, which starts on December 13.
The all-rounder could also miss the series against Zimbabwe, beginning on January 3. He is also likely to miss the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy for Baroda.
Hardik last played for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 in May. For India, he last played at the T20 World Cup 2026 final in March.
Pandya is an important player for India because he can contribute with both bat and ball. His fitness will also be important as India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
For now, the all-rounder will focus on his recovery. While IPL 2027 could be his next chance to return, he will need to regain full fitness before playing again.
When will Hardik Pandya return to competitive cricket?
Hardik Pandya is likely to return during IPL 2027. However, his comeback date has not been confirmed.
What injury is Hardik Pandya recovering from?
He is recovering from a stress injury on the inner side of his shin.
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