Hardik Pandya Injury Blow: India All-Rounder Could Be Sidelined Until IPL 2027

Hardik Pandya’s wait to return to competitive cricket could stretch until the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2027 season, which is expected to begin in March. The 32-year-old India all-rounder is recovering from a stress injury to the inner side of his calf, and his comeback will depend on how he progresses through rehabilitation.

According to Dainik Jagran, Pandya is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru. His recovery is being monitored through a phased fitness programme, with medical staff taking precautions to avoid placing additional stress on the injured area.

The report added that Pandya’s medical reports were reviewed by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala last week.

Hardik Pandya’s Recovery Plan

Under the current rehabilitation plan, Pandya is expected to begin jogging after three weeks. His running workload will then be increased gradually over the following eight weeks.

His strength-training programme is also being stepped up cautiously on medical advice. However, a date for his return to full match fitness has not yet been established, leaving uncertainty over when he will be available for India again.

Which Series Could Pandya Miss?

If the reported recovery timeline holds, Pandya could also miss India’s home series against Sri Lanka. He has already missed a substantial portion of the 2026 international calendar.

His absences have included the three ODIs against Afghanistan at home, the tours of Ireland and England, during which India played 11 matches — eight T20Is and three ODIs — and Zimbabwe’s five-match T20I series.

He also missed three T20Is against Afghanistan in New Delhi, the home white-ball series against West Indies comprising three ODIs and five T20Is, the 2026 Asian Games and a historic one-off T20I against Japan.

Pandya was not selected for India’s tour of New Zealand either. His availability for the ODI and T20I series against Sri Lanka, scheduled to begin on December 13, remains uncertain. He could also miss the ODI series against Zimbabwe, which is scheduled to start on January 3.

When Did Hardik Pandya Last Play?

Pandya last featured in a competitive match for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026 in May. His most recent international appearance came in the final of the 2026 T20 World Cup in March.

With his recovery still progressing and no firm date set for his return to full fitness, India could have to plan their upcoming assignments without one of their key all-rounders for an extended period.

Rishabh Pant’s Fitness Under Watch Ahead of New Zealand Tests

Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is also working towards a return after suffering a side strain during the Irani Trophy. The injury ruled him out of the first two matches of India A’s multi-day tour of New Zealand.

Pant has reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence after two weeks of rest. According to Dainik Jagran, his condition is improving, and he is expected to begin light skill training next week before gradually increasing the intensity of his practice.

The 28-year-old has been named in India’s Test squad for the New Zealand tour, but his participation depends on receiving fitness clearance. The medical team is monitoring his recovery before making a decision on his availability.

India’s two-Test series against New Zealand is scheduled to begin on November 19, with the second Test starting on November 27. Pant’s fitness will be an important consideration as the team prepares for the tour.

Prasidh Krishna Set for Match-Simulation Tests

Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna is making progress in his recovery from a left hamstring injury sustained during the ODI series against West Indies. The pacer was forced to miss the third ODI after picking up the injury in the second match in Guwahati.

His rehabilitation is reportedly progressing well, and he is expected to undergo match-simulation sessions on October 22 and 23. His fitness will then be assessed for a possible return across all three formats.

Krishna has been included in India’s squads for the New Zealand ODI and Test series, subject to fitness clearance. The assessment following his match simulations is expected to help determine whether he will be ready to join the team for the tour.

India’s five-match ODI series against New Zealand begins on November 4, followed by the two-Test series later in the month.

With Pandya facing a potentially lengthy absence, Pant working towards medical clearance and Krishna undergoing further fitness tests, India’s medical team has several key players to assess ahead of a busy international schedule.