Hardik Pandya Set to Miss Australia A ODIs After Fresh Shin Injury

India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s much-awaited return to competitive cricket has suffered another setback after he picked up a fresh shin injury, ruling him out of the upcoming three-match one-day series against Australia A.

Pandya had been included in the India A squad for the 50-over games in Puducherry, beginning October 6, subject to a fitness clearance. The series was expected to serve as an important test of his ability to bowl a full quota of 10 overs ahead of India’s upcoming ODI commitments.

However, Pandya has reportedly continued to experience pain while bowling. Following a fresh assessment, he has been advised to undergo complete rest for around two weeks before being reassessed.

The latest setback extends a difficult period for the all-rounder, whose injury troubles have kept him away from competitive cricket since late May during the IPL. He has spent much of the intervening period undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Pandya initially suffered back spasms during the IPL before sustaining a leg strain at the Centre of Excellence while preparing for India’s ODI series against Afghanistan in June.

His shin problems had also emerged around the time of India’s squad selection for that series. Scans subsequently revealed an issue involving the tibia, following which he was advised to rest for approximately a week.

Pandya underwent his first fitness test on September 17, during which he bowled but did not complete the full 10-over quota considered important by the Centre of Excellence medical team, selectors and Indian team management.

During a second fitness test on September 19, the shin pain returned. A subsequent scan this week led to the recommendation of another two weeks of complete rest, followed by a fresh assessment.

The injury comes at a crucial stage in Pandya’s preparations for India’s future ODI commitments. He has not played an ODI since the Champions Trophy final in March last year, while recurring fitness concerns have disrupted his preparations ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously underlined the importance of Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah to the team’s World Cup plans. Gambhir also stressed that Pandya needs sufficient match practice before the global tournament.

“Game time going into the World Cup is going to be extremely, extremely important,” Gambhir said. “You can’t go to the World Cup half-cooked. So you must have enough game time and your rhythm should be good enough.”

India are scheduled to play five T20Is in New Zealand from October 22, followed by a five-match ODI series beginning November 4. Pandya’s latest injury could therefore complicate his preparations for the New Zealand tour, particularly his return to bowling in 50-over cricket.

With another period of rehabilitation now required, the focus will be on Pandya’s recovery and his ability to regain full bowling fitness before India’s next major ODI assignments.