Hardik Pandya Faces New Injury Setback Ahead of Australia A ODI Series

Hardik Pandya's return to competitive cricket has been delayed once again due to a new shin injury, preventing him from participating in the upcoming ODI series against Australia A. Initially named in the squad, Pandya's fitness has been under scrutiny as he struggles with ongoing pain while bowling. This latest setback comes as he aims to regain full fitness ahead of India's ODI series against New Zealand. With a history of injuries affecting his performance, fans are left wondering when he will make his much-anticipated return to the field.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 27, 2026, 00:01 IST

Hardik Pandya's Injury Woes Continue

New Delhi, September 26: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya's comeback to competitive cricket has hit another hurdle as he has sustained a new shin injury, which will prevent him from participating in the upcoming three-match ODI series against Australia A next month.

Pandya was included in the India A squad for the 50-over matches starting on October 6 in Puducherry, pending fitness clearance. However, he has now been advised to rest for 15 days due to this recent injury, as reported by a sports news outlet.

This series against Australia A was seen as a crucial opportunity for Pandya to gauge his fitness, especially regarding his ability to bowl a full 10-over spell ahead of India's five-match ODI series against New Zealand, which kicks off on November 4.

Hardik has been grappling with pain while bowling, which has prolonged his absence from competitive cricket since late May during the IPL. He has been primarily focused on rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru during this time.

Initially, he faced back spasms during the IPL, followed by a leg strain at the CoE just before India's ODI series against Afghanistan in June.

Prior to his selection for the Afghanistan series, Hardik experienced shin pain, and subsequent scans indicated a tibia issue, leading the medical team to recommend a week of rest.

On September 17, he underwent his first fitness assessment, where he bowled but was unable to complete the full 10 overs, a requirement set by the BCCI's medical staff and the Indian team management before he could return to competitive play.

During a second fitness test on September 19, the shin pain reappeared. Following another scan this week, he has been instructed to rest completely for two weeks, after which a further evaluation will take place.

Hardik has not participated in an ODI since the Champions Trophy final in March of the previous year, with ongoing fitness challenges hindering his return to the 50-over format ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November.