Hardik Pandya expected to return to competitive cricket on September 20

Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to return to competitive white-ball cricket on September 20 following a period of injury rehabilitation. Pandya has been sidelined recently due to back spasms during the IPL 2026 and a quadriceps strain that caused him to miss the T20I series against Afghanistan.

Pandya has been named in the India A squad for upcoming one-day matches against Australia A in Puducherry, starting October 6. However, his availability for India’s ODI series against the West Indies, which begins September 27 and concludes October 3, remains uncertain due to his commitments with the India A side.

His return is considered significant for the national team's selection strategy, as his ability to contribute with both bat and ball provides tactical flexibility for the squad's limited-overs combinations.