Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly regained full fitness and is set to make his return to competitive cricket in the 2025-26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Sources, including PTI, suggest that he is highly likely to rejoin the national squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting December 9.
Hardik Pandya had suffered a quadriceps injury during a Super-Four encounter against Sri Lanka in the 2025 Asia Cup. In that game, he bowled as an opener, claimed a wicket, but had to leave the field immediately and did not participate further in the match or tournament. Since the injury, he has been focusing on recovery at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
“From October 21 to November 30, Hardik didn’t even move out of the COE and completed his full rehab and ‘Return To Play’ protocols,” the news agency quoted a source in the know of the developments as saying.
“As of now, he has been given the all clear — to bat and bowl in T20Is — and he has already linked up with the Baroda team for the Punjab game. He will play on December 4 vs Gujarat and if the Indian team management doesn’t summon him earlier, then he plans to play the December 6 game against Haryana also.”
Shubman Gill To Undergo Fitness Test Ahead Of South Africa T20Is
Shubman Gill is scheduled to report to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Monday for a comprehensive fitness assessment, a crucial step before he can be cleared to rejoin India’s squad for the five-match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9.
The opener has been sidelined since sustaining a serious neck injury while batting on Day 2 of the opening Test in Kolkata, which ruled him out of the second Test and the ongoing ODI leg of the tour. Gill has been following a structured rehabilitation program that includes medication, rest, and targeted muscle-strengthening exercises.
The team’s support staff will only approve his return after he successfully passes all mandatory fitness tests and demonstrates smooth, pain-free movement during batting drills. At present, his participation in the South Africa T20Is remains uncertain, with his chances of returning estimated at around 50 percent.
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