Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya looks poised for a return ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The flamboyant cricketer, who was out of action due to a back injury is slated to return in the DY Patil T20 tournament later this month. 

Pandya has been struggling with the injury since the 2018 Asia Cup when he had to stretchered off the field during India's game against Pakistan. Hardik Pandya underwent back surgery in October and hoped to recover in time for the two-Test series in New Zealand. However, his rehabilitation has taken longer than expected, and the all-rounder has not been cleared to make a comeback in February. 

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Meanwhile, the selectors initially drafted Hardik Pandya in India A's squad for the tour of New Zealand. However, the management withdrew his name as a safety measure with important series lined up. The Baroda cricketer himself hoped to return midway in the ongoing tour, but Pandya has not responded well to the rehabilitation. 

Last month, he had travelled to London with NCA head physio Ashish Kaushik for a review by spinal surgeon Dr James Allibone. Currently, he is undergoing a rehabilitation programme at the National Cricket Academy and is all set to return to action as per reports in the Mid Day. Pandya will feature in the DY Patil Tournament for the Reliance Outfit when the competition starts later this month.