Should India start preparing for Cricket World Cup 2027 without Hardik Pandya?
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Hardik Pandya has been out of action for a while now due to injuries.
The ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 is still more than a year away, but teams have already started looking at their possible combinations. India will also have several ODI matches before the tournament, giving them enough time to test players and find the right balance.
For India, one of the main things will be to have enough options in every department. The team will need players who can handle different conditions and also have enough match practice before the World Cup.
Fitness will also be an important factor in India’s plans. Several players will have to manage their workload, while those returning from injuries will need enough cricket before they can be considered for the big tournament.
Hardik Pandya is one player whose fitness has now become a talking point after another setback during his rehabilitation.
Hardik Pandya’s injury woes keep getting worse
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Hardik has been out of International cricket since IPL 2026 and was expected to return through the India A series against Australia A.
However, he has now been ruled out of the three-match ODI series after developing a symptomatic right tibial bone stress response. There is reportedly no structural bone damage or established stress fracture, but the setback has delayed his comeback further.
His return for India’s upcoming New Zealand tour is also uncertain, which means he could miss another important chance to get match practice before the 2027 World Cup.
India shouldn’t rely on Hardik Pandya; still have time to test other options
Hardik’s role is difficult to replace because he can contribute with both bat and ball. India needs a player who can score runs in the lower-middle order while also giving the team a genuine seam-bowling option.
At the same time, the latest setback means India cannot depend completely on his availability. The management can use the upcoming ODI matches to give other all-rounders more opportunities and build a reliable backup option.
Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is still work in progress, is one player who has already been backed by head coach Gautam Gambhir as part of India’s longer-term plans.
Despite the latest setback, Gambhir has made it clear that Hardik remains an important part of India’s plans for the 2027 World Cup.
“Very few teams have players like that who can bowl ten overs and give you runs from No. 6 or No. 7,” Gambhir said.
What injury has Hardik Pandya suffered?
Hardik Pandya is dealing with a symptomatic right tibial bone stress response. There is no structural bone damage or confirmed stress fracture.
Is Hardik Pandya fit to play for India?
No. Hardik is currently not fit for competitive cricket and remains in rehabilitation.
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