Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is scheduled to undergo a detailed assessment of his left quadricep injury at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The 31-year-old sustained the injury during India’s Super Four clash against Sri Lanka in the Asia Cup 2025, held in the UAE.
The setback forced him to miss the high-profile final against Pakistan. According to a report, Pandya will be evaluated today to determine the extent of his injury and the appropriate rehabilitation plan. The medical team’s decision will dictate whether he needs surgery or a standard recovery program.
Possibility Of Early Return
Reports suggest that if Pandya’s condition does not require surgical intervention, he could make a return to competitive cricket as early as next month. This assessment comes at a crucial time for India, which is preparing for a busy international calendar. The selectors have opted to rest Pandya from the upcoming Australia tour due to his ongoing fitness concerns.
In his absence, young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy has been given an opportunity in both the ODI and T20I squads. The Indian team is scheduled to play three ODIs and five T20Is against Australia, starting November 19. Pandya’s recovery timeline will likely determine his availability for the subsequent home series later in the season.
Veterans Rohit And Kohli Eye Comeback
The Indian squad is set to depart for Australia from New Delhi on Wednesday. Much of the attention will be on senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who are marking their return to competitive cricket after a significant break. Both stalwarts last appeared in the ICC Champions Trophy final in March and have not played since the end of IPL 2025.
Their comeback adds depth and experience to the touring side, and their form will be closely watched throughout the series. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, addressing the media on Tuesday, refrained from making any assumptions about the ODI futures of the two senior players.
He said, “The 50-over World Cup is still two and a half years away. It is very important to stay in the present. Obviously, they are quality players. They (Rohit and Kohli) are coming back. Their experience is going to be valuable in Australia. Hopefully, those two guys can have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team we can have a successful series.”
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
