Team India all-rounder Hardik Pandya has reportedly completed an intensive rehabilitation program at the BCCI Center of Excellence ahead of the upcoming five-match T20 series against South Africa. According to the PTI report, Hardik is expected to make a comeback for the Men in Blue in the T20 series.
Pandya has been out of action after injuring his left quadriceps during the Asia Cup 2025. The all-rounder could not play in the Asia Cup final against Pakistan. He was also not included in the white-ball team for the Australia tour. His recovery took longer than expected, which also forced him out of the South Africa ODI.
Hardik Pandya cleared to play T20 cricket after completing COE return-to-play program
Hardik Pandya has completed his return to play program at the BCCI Center of Excellence. He trained in Bengaluru from October 21 to November 30 and has now been declared fit to play T20 cricket again.
The BCCI had already planned to use Hardik only in T20Is as India prepare for the 2026 T20 World Cup. His approval for bowling and batting is a big boost for the team.
As part of his comeback, Hardik will now play for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025. He will test his fitness and see how his body handles the workload of the entire match.
Hardik Pandya ready to play two Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy matches for Baroda
PTI has reported that Hardik Pandya is expected to play at least two matches in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. He will play the match against Punjab on 2nd December, followed by the match against Gujarat on 4th December.
The 32-year-old cricketer can also play the third match against Haryana on 6 December. This will give a clear idea to the selectors whether he is completely ready for an international comeback or not. Selector Pragyan Ojha has been tasked with keeping an eye on Hardik’s performance during this home leg.
Ojha will share regular updates with the Indian selectors and team management. Hardik is crucial to India’s T20I plans. His role as a finisher with the bat and a seam-bowling all-rounder brings balance to the team.
India will start South Africa T20 series in Cuttack on 9th December
India and South Africa will begin their T20 series on December 9 in Cuttack, with the remaining matches to be played in Mullanpur and other venues. If Hardik Pandya completes his game for Baroda without any fitness problem then he is expected to be included in the Indian team for the series.
His return is also part of BCCI’s long-term workload plan. With the 2026 T20 World Cup around the corner, the board wants to keep him focused on the format where he is most valuable, and they do not want to rush him into ODIs, which have less importance at the moment.
Pandya made his debut for India in 2016. He has become a prominent figure in white-ball cricket and has already played 94 ODIs and 120 T20 matches for the national team.
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