Why was Hardik Pandya not named in India squad for New Zealand T20Is?
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Hardik Pandya’s last match for India came in T20 World Cup 2026.
India are set for another important T20I assignment later this month as they take on New Zealand in a five-match series. The tour will give the Men in Blue another chance to test their options and build the right combination for the matches ahead.
The five-match T20I series will begin on October 22, with India entering the tour with some changes to their T20I setup. Shreyas Iyer will be the captain, while Tilak Varma will be his deputy. The squad also includes several young players along with experienced names.
One of the biggest talking points from the selection is the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The senior pacer has been recalled to the T20I side after nearly four years. Varun Chakaravarthy has also returned after recovering from a side strain, while Jasprit Bumrah has been rested.
Here’s why Hardik Pandya was not named in India squad for New Zealand T20Is
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However, Hardik Pandya is once again missing from the squad. The all-rounder was not named in India‘s T20I squad for the New Zealand series because he is still recovering from a fresh injury to his right shin.
Hardik Pandya has been diagnosed with a symptomatic right tibial bone stress response, an injury affecting the shin bone. However, there is no fracture or structural bone damage, according to the latest update.
The injury ruled him out of India A ODI series against Australia A. Pandya was initially named in the squad subject to fitness, but he was later withdrawn. Pandya was also advised two weeks of rest by the medical team at the Centre of Excellence.
Pandya’s injury had already raised doubts over his availability for the New Zealand tour. India will play five T20Is from October 22 to November 1, followed by three ODIs from November 4 to 15.
The all-rounder has not played competitive cricket since the IPL. His last T20I appearance came in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad in March.
His absence means India will have to use other all-rounder options during the New Zealand T20I series, with Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel and Naman Dhir among the players available.
When did Hardik Pandya last play for India?
Hardik Pandya last played for India in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad in March 2026.
When will India play New Zealand in T20Is?
India will play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand from October 22 to November 1, 2026.
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