Hardik Pandya could return to competitive cricket only during IPL 2027, with the India all-rounder facing an extended rehabilitation process following a stress injury to his lower leg. He is currently recovering at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, and no timeline has been set for his return to full match fitness.
Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala reviewed Pandya’s medical reports on October 14. According to the latest assessment, the 32-year-old could resume jogging after three weeks, following which his running workload will be increased gradually over the next eight weeks. His return to competitive cricket will depend on his progress and subsequent fitness assessments.
Pandya has not been selected for India’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, and his participation in the subsequent white-ball assignments against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe also appears unlikely. The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy are expected to conclude before he completes the planned rehabilitation process, leaving the IPL as a potential target for his return.
India’s five-Test series against Australia is scheduled from January 21 to March 3, but Pandya does not feature in the Test format. With his recovery timeline extending into the coming months, the next IPL season could offer him the first realistic opportunity to resume competitive action.
Pandya has begun rehabilitation after a period of rest. His strength training is being increased gradually under medical supervision to avoid aggravating the injury. The emphasis remains on completing each stage of recovery rather than setting an early comeback date.
Meanwhile, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is also recovering from a side strain sustained during the Irani Trophy. After resting for two weeks, Pant has reported to the CoE and is expected to begin light skill training. The intensity will be increased progressively, with his availability for the New Zealand Test series dependent on his recovery.
Fast bowler Prasidh Krishna is making progress after suffering a hamstring strain during the ODI series against the West Indies. He is expected to take part in match simulations on October 22 and 23, after which his fitness for international cricket will be assessed. Prasidh has been named in India’s ODI and Test squads for the New Zealand tour, but his participation will depend on the outcome of those assessments.
With three players working through different stages of rehabilitation, the CoE’s evaluations will play an important role in determining India’s squad availability over the coming weeks.
