With next year’s T20 World Cup taking priority, all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who is currently recovering from a quadriceps injury, is unlikely to feature in India’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa starting November 30. He is expected to focus solely on the shortest format for now.
In line with workload management for frontline pacers, Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to be rested from the three-match ODI series, which carries limited significance ahead of the T20 showpiece.
Hardik had sustained the quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup T20 in Dubai last September, causing him to miss the final against Pakistan.
“Hardik is recovering well from his quadriceps injury at the moment. He is at the Centre of Excellence following his RTP (Return to Play) routines. Playing 50 overs immediately would be risky. Until the T20 World Cup, the BCCI medical team and Hardik will focus on T20Is,” a BCCI source told PTI on condition of anonymity.
It is understood that Hardik will first prove his match fitness for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He will then feature in the T20I series against South Africa and New Zealand.
While India also have three ODIs against New Zealand, 50-over cricket holds limited importance until the T20 World Cup. After the next IPL, the focus for senior players is expected to shift toward the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.
(By PTI Inputs)
