Hardik Pandya will miss the three India A matches against Australia A in Puducherry starting Oct 6 as shin pain flares up. The 32‑year‑old had a fresh scan this week and the BCCI medical team has ordered a 10‑15‑day rest.
The shin injury is not a first‑time fluke. Earlier this year it kept him out of the Afghanistan T20Is and ODIs, and it even dented his chances of a late entry into the Asian Games. Now, with the scans pointing to a recurring strain, the all‑rounder’s return has been pushed back again.
Selectors are playing it safe. A rushed comeback could jeopardise his position for the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand next month and the ODIs that follow. The team’s patience shows in their focus on the 2027 World Cup as the ultimate goal.
In the meantime, Suryansh Shedge, who is training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence, could be drafted as Pandya’s stand‑in for the India A fixtures. The decision, however, will hinge on the medical verdict.
The next big hurdle is the T20Is against New Zealand in October, followed by a five‑match ODI series. Whether Pandya can recover in time remains a question for the selectors and fans alike.