The India National Cricket Team is facing a new challenge before Australia’s white-ball tour, as there is no positive update on recovery from star all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s injury to his left quadriseps. The injury has already forced Hardik Pandya to remember the final of the Asia Cup 2025 against Pakistan.
Now, it has questioned the availability of Indian all-rounder for the upcoming three-match T20I and three-match ODI series in Australia. As reported by Espncricinfo, Hardik Pandya is unlikely to fly to Australia with men in Blue this month.
Hardik Pandya suspect for Australia Tour, Scrambles for India all -rounder backup
Hardik’s absence has left a large hole in white balls squads, especially in the seam-bouling all-rounder department. Indian selectors are now considering Nitish Kumar Reddy, the growing talent to join Shivam Dubey in the T20I squad for the Australia Tour.
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So far, Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is currently playing in the ongoing Indo-West Indies Test series, is seen as a replacement of Hardik Pandya for the upcoming T20I series in Australia. But the biggest headache is looking for the replacement of Hardik for the ODI series down under -under.
While Shivam Dubey last played an ODI in Sri Lanka a year ago, Reddy has not yet been started in the 50 -over format. With the ICC World Cup 2027 in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia, India is eager to identify a reliable backup for Hardik Pandya in advance.
It is being said that India’s upcoming tour of Australia will be the right test ground for the next seam-bouling all-rounders, and the selectors are ready to make some stunning calls next week.
India big changes in all -rounders ahead of Australia Tour
Meanwhile, India’s upcoming tour of Australia may see some major changes in the team, especially in the all -rounders department. Recently in ODI and T20i squad, India rely a lot on spin all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja, Axer Patel and Washington Sundar with Ryan Parag.
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But Australian pitch is not easy for spinners, so the team can try seam-bouling all-rounders in the upcoming white-ball series. Australia’s conditions are in favor of speed and fast bowlers, so India wants to mix all-rounders and seamers instead of relying only on spin all-rounders.
Ryan Parag has been in a good form, scoring 67 and 58 in two list for India against Australia this week. Tilak Verma is also making a strong case after 94 in the second white-ball match against Australia A after his outstanding performance in the final of the Asia Cup 2025.
Ryan Parag and Mohammad Sirj set for ODI returns
It is being said that both Tilak Verma and Riyal Parag can be selected in the ODI squad for Australia Tour. Additionally, veteran fast bowler Mohammad Siraj, who has not played an ODI since Sri Lanka a year ago, is in a dispute to return to India on a tour of Australia.
Siraj’s experience and speed can give India a strong boost in the bowling attack. Prasad Krishna is another fast-building option, known for its aggressive, hit-deck style. It is likely to become a third seamor in the T20i squad, providing additional firepower.
