 "BCCI plans gradual comeback for Hardik Pandya ahead of T20 World Cup 2026: Report")
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is working his way back from the injury he suffered during the 2025 Asia Cup earlier this year. Hardik will most likely miss the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, but the BCCI has reportedly planned a gradual comeback schedule to get him ready for the all-important T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in India next year.
How BCCI plans to reintroduce Hardik Pandya
According to a report in the Times of India, Hardik is expected to make his return with matches for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, beginning November 26. This will allow him to gradually rebuild his fitness while managing workload. The report added that Hardik was supposed to return to cricket in ODIs against South Africa, but the BCCI felt it would be better if he played short-form cricket first.
“Not just with Hardik Pandya, the NCA (now CoE) has always allowed players with a long history of injuries to ease back into the set-up. When the layoff is longer and scheduling permits, T20s are seen as the ideal fixture to test the body and then gradually increase the workload. Had Hardik played the SA ODIS, it would have meant playing a T20 and ODI in the space of a few days. Something which isn’t ideal after a long layoff,” TOI quoted a source as saying.
After playing in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Hardik is likely to join the five T20I matches against South Africa starting December 9. If his fitness stays fine, he will also take part in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January. This will give the 32-year-old good match practice before the ICC T20 World Cup in February-March.
Hardik has had a history of injuries but has often delivered crucial performances for India when fully fit. He was a key player in India’s success at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he bowled a brilliant final over in the summit clash against South Africa. He also played a key role in India’s dominance at the 2025 Champions Trophy. He will be vital if India want to defend their T20 World Cup crown at home.
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