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Hardik pandya suffers fresh injury forcing him to pause bowling during rehabilitation
Hardik Pandya’s much-anticipated return to international cricket has suffered another setback after the India all-rounder reportedly developed a leg niggle during his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Hardik Pandya suffers this latest setback at an unfortunate time, with the all-rounder having made encouraging progress in his recovery. He had reportedly increased his training intensity and was bowling without discomfort as he worked towards returning to India’s T20 setup.
However, the fresh discomfort has forced him to pause bowling for the time being, with the BCCI medical team monitoring his condition.
The development has raised concerns about Pandya’s availability for India’s upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin on September 13.
Another Roadblock for Pandya
Pandya’s fitness has been a recurring concern throughout his career, particularly when it comes to his ability to bowl consistently.
His importance to the Indian team goes far beyond his batting. When fully fit, Pandya provides India with a rare combination of middle-order power and genuine pace bowling, giving the team greater flexibility when selecting its playing XI.
That makes every fitness setback particularly significant.
According to recent reports, Pandya had been progressing well at the BCCI’s Bengaluru facility and had reached a stage where he was bowling at high intensity. Hardik Pandya suffers another frustrating interruption just as his rehabilitation appeared to be moving in the right direction.
Importantly, there has been no indication so far that Pandya has suffered a major injury. The current issue has been described as a niggle, with his medical team taking a cautious approach.
Afghanistan Series Now in Doubt
Pandya’s latest setback could affect his chances of being selected for India’s upcoming Afghanistan T20I series.
The Indian selectors are expected to assess the fitness of players undergoing rehabilitation at the Centre of Excellence before finalising the squad.
With Pandya currently unable to bowl, his selection could become a difficult decision.
India are unlikely to rush him back, particularly given the importance of managing his workload over the long term. The selectors will want to ensure that he is fully fit rather than risk aggravating the problem by bringing him back too early.
Why Pandya Matters to India
A fully fit Hardik Pandya remains one of India’s most valuable T20 players.
His ability to bat aggressively in the middle order while contributing with the ball gives India an extra tactical option. It also allows the team to select additional specialist batters or bowlers without sacrificing balance.
Replacing his role is therefore not straightforward.
India have several talented all-rounders, but Pandya’s experience, power-hitting ability and pace bowling make him difficult to replicate.
What Happens Next?
For now, the priority will be Pandya’s recovery.
The immediate focus will be determining whether the leg discomfort settles quickly enough for him to resume bowling. His fitness will then be reassessed before the selectors make a final decision on his availability.
While the latest setback is concerning, it is too early to suggest that Pandya faces another lengthy absence.
For the Indian team, however, the message is clear: Hardik Pandya’s comeback remains a work in progress.
After making encouraging progress in his rehabilitation, the latest injury hurdle has once again put his return under the spotlight.
With India’s Afghanistan series approaching, all eyes will now be on Bengaluru — and on whether India’s star all-rounder can get back to bowling without further complications.
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