Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya made a comeback into the Indian T20I squad after recovering from a quadriceps injury suffered during the final Super-4 game in the Asia Cup. Pandya did not turn up for the final optional practice session in Cuttack on Monday.
Indian team vice-captain Shubman Gill as well as experienced all-rounder Pandya are also set to make a comeback in the shortest format of the game. The Indian all-rounder has returned from his injury after the Asia Cup final.
After Pandya missed the Australian tour and the ODI leg of the South Africa tour, he is back with a few cameos while playing for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. This all-rounder has shown his ability with both bat and ball.
Hardik Pandya did not arrive for the practice session on Monday
Pandya was named in the Indian squad for the South Africa series, and replaced Rinku Singh in the squad.
The experienced all-rounder missed India’s final session of practice on Monday and reports have raised suspicion of another injury for the all-rounder. After practicing till late on Sunday night, Pandya refused to practice on the eve of the match day.
,Hardik Pandya did not come for the practice session as he had trained yesterday evening. He is completely fit,” a RevSportz reporter reported.
Hardik Pandya did not come for the practice session as he had trained yesterday evening. He is completely fit.
– Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) 8 December 2025
Hardik Pandya hits sixes for entertainment in the nets
As soon as he reached Cuttack with the Indian team, Pandya hit some sky-high sixes in the nets. The experienced all-rounder was returning to international cricket after a two-month leave.
Although he had a good season in the Syed Mushtaq Ali season, Hardik was seen working hard in the nets. Pandya started the Indian net bowlers and hit the balls out of the park with ease.
He also bowled for about 20 minutes with the ball and during the spell, he kept bowling at full speed, almost ready to take the new ball again as well as Jasprit Bumrah.
Hardik Pandya’s SMAT 2025 form before South Africa series
Pandya returned to play for Baroda in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy under the captaincy of his brother Krunal Pandya. He played for the first time against Punjab on 2 December and performed brilliantly with the bat to lead them to victory. His inning of 77 runs made him the player of the match.
The next game he played was against Gujarat, where Pandya bowled a spell of four overs and took one wicket for just 16 runs. After this he also scored 10 unbeaten runs with the bat and helped Baroda chase the target of 74 runs.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav issues statement on inclusion of Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya in the eleven for the first T20 match
