India’s ace white-ball allrounder Hardik Pandya is close to full fitness and ready to return for the India vs South Africa white-ball series in November-December. The 31-year-old sustained a left quadriceps injury during the T20 Asia Cup, which forced him to miss the final against Pakistan in Dubai.
India will play a three-match ODI series beginning November 30 in Ranchi, followed by a five-match T20I series starting December 9 in Cuttack.
“After a holiday break, Hardik reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru on Nov 21. He will be at the CoE for a month. He has started his gym sessions and should be back in action during the white-ball series against South Africa at some point,” a BCCI source told TOI.
Hardik Trains at BCCI CoE to Regain Match Fitness
Hardik has been training at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru to rebuild strength and regain match fitness. He already resumed gym sessions and continues to follow a focused rehabilitation plan. The BCCI medical team monitors his progress daily. His return will strengthen India’s limited-overs setup as the team prepares for the T20 World Cup.
Shreyas Iyer Begins Long Recovery Journey
While Pandya prepares for a comeback, Shreyas Iyer faces a longer recovery path. The middle-order batter suffered a ruptured spleen and rib cage injury during the third ODI against Australia. Doctors advised him to rest for two months, which rules him out of the South Africa ODI series.
“I’m currently in the recovery process and getting better each passing day. I’m deeply grateful for all the kind wishes and support I’ve received — it truly means a lot. Thank you for keeping me in your thoughts,” Iyer posted on X on Thursday morning.
A source close to the team said, “Yes, he is recovering very well from this serious injury and will be discharged from the hospital in three days.”
Iyer aims to recover fully before the ODI series against New Zealand starting January 11. Meanwhile, India expects Pandya’s return during the South Africa white-ball leg to restore balance in both batting and bowling units.
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