Why is Hardik Pandya not picked in India's squad for Afghanistan T20Is?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Hardik Pandya was expected to be part of India’s squad for T20Is against Afghanistan.
India’s preparations for the upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan have produced several talking points. The selectors have made some striking choices for the three-match series scheduled to begin on September 13, giving the Indian team another opportunity to assess its combination.
The squad announcement brought some notable returns, like Jasprit Bumrah and Washington Sundar being back in the Indian T20I squad. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ravi Bishnoi are also part of the Indian squad, while Nitish Kumar Reddy, who was at the CoE, has been added into the squad.
However, one major absence has caught attention. Hardik Pandya, the veteran Indian all-rounder who was expected to make his comeback with this series following a lengthy rehabilitation period, has been left out of the squad. His absence has raised doubts over his fitness and his possible date of return to international cricket.
Hardik Pandya misses out due to fresh injury setback
Catch Every Update, Anytime, Anywhere
Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is not part of the India squad, as he was left out following a fresh leg setback during his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE). Reports from TOI indicated that the all-rounder experienced a niggle while bowling and has been advised to pause his bowling workload for some time.
According to the same TOI sources, Hardik before this injury was operating at full intensity. This latest injury ruled him out of the upcoming series and has once again pushed his international comeback into uncertainty. Pandya has not played a single international game for India since the ICC T20 World Cup final on the 8th of March.
It has also been confirmed that Pandya has not struggled with his movements during batting; however, the all-rounder’s significance for India lies in his bowling ability. India have also picked many players who can contribute in more than just one department.
TOI reports later confirmed that Pandya is likely to resume bowling soon, hence giving a slight ray of hope to the Indian fans that the superstar cricketer will make a comeback in 2026. For now, his fitness assessment is in progress at the CoE, but it has been confirmed that he won’t be featuring in the Afghanistan T20Is.
Will Hardik Pandya return for the Asian Games?
No, Hardik Pandya will not return for the Asian Games, as selectors previously left him out of the squad.
Why is Hardik Pandya not part of India’s squad for the Asian Games?
He was not picked for the Asian Games, as the selectors wanted him to remain fit for the ODIs.
For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.