Shubman Gill, the Indian captain, spoke on Hardik Pandya’s situation and future at a news conference on Tuesday, November 3. Pandya has been out of competitive cricket since the Indian Premier League after suffering many health setbacks at the BCCI Center of Excellence.

Hardik Pandya, one of India’s most prized all-rounders, can bat and bowl at different phases of the game. He is an important asset to India’s preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup because of his skill set, which allows him to bowl in the final overs and with the new ball. However, a series of injuries has kept him out of action, and Gill has said that showing match fitness through domestic competition is a necessity for his return to the national squad.

India’s most important recent home assignment is a five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on November 4 and concludes on November 15. India will focus on a two-Test series beginning on November 19, following the ODI leg.

How will Hardik Pandya rejoin the Indian team?

Hardik Pandya’s back spasms forced him to miss three games for the Mumbai Indians in the 2026 Indian Premier League, signaling the start of his injury woes. On May 24, he had his final competitive outing. He was unable to compete in the ODI series against Afghanistan in June due to a quadriceps strain sustained during rehabilitation. He was unable to play in the England One-Day International series while recovering.

Hardik Pandya’s knee pain after fielding practice prior to the Afghanistan T20I series raised additional concerns. Subject to fitness clearance, he was named to the India A team for a one-day series against Australia A in September. It is believed that he will resume competitive cricket in October. However, scans revealed that he had a right shin injury, and medical advice recommended two weeks of complete rest, therefore he was unable to play in the Australia A series.

Hardik Pandya was not present during India’s Twenty20 International series against New Zealand. Match fitness must be demonstrated through domestic cricket before he can return to the national squad. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy, both scheduled for November and December, would provide Pandya with immediate opportunities to demonstrate his readiness.

The Baroda all-rounder is placed seventh or eighth in India’s ODI batting order, and he is expected to provide aggressive finishing in the late stages of innings. He is an important asset as India prepares for the 2027 ODI World Cup because of his all-round abilities, which include batting and bowling at various phases of the game.

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