Hardik Pandya’s path to return to international cricket once again seems to be difficult. He suffered a minor injury to his leg during training at BCCI’s Center of Excellence (CoE). This new problem has raised questions over his candidature for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.
According to the Times of India report, Hardik was on the right track in preparation for his comeback and was training at full speed. But after suffering from leg problems, he has been advised to stop bowling for the time being.
Will start bowling again, but achieving fitness will be a challenge
According to the information, Hardik can start bowling again soon. However, it may be difficult for him to reach the required fitness level for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting in Delhi from September 13.
A source having knowledge of the matter said that Hardik had no major problems regarding batting and movement. He was doing his training without any special problem. But his comeback plans have been affected due to leg problem.
Now his condition will be clear only after he gets complete ‘all-clear’ from the medical and fitness team of CoE. Before selection in the team, the Center of Excellence would like to be completely satisfied about his fitness.
When will Team India be announced against Afghanistan?
The Indian team is expected to be selected for the T20I series against Afghanistan this week. Selectors can hold a meeting in Delhi. During this time, information will also be given to the players recovering in Bengaluru about their fitness. In such a situation, the timing of Hardik’s latest injury is not at all right for him. If he is not able to regain the required fitness on time, he may have to stay out of the three-match series against Afghanistan.
Did not play any competitive matches after May 24
Hardik Pandya played his last match for Mumbai Indians in IPL on 24 May. Since then he has not played any competitive match. His last match for India was the final of the T20 World Cup on 8 March. After this, Hardik could not play in the home white-ball series against Afghanistan. He also remained out of the tours of Ireland and England. This means that his distance from international cricket is continuously increasing and now the latest injury can push his comeback further back.
Which series could Hardik not play due to injury?
Hardik had injury problems just before the ODI series against Afghanistan. At that time, he was diagnosed with a low-grade sprain (mild injury) in his quadriceps (thigh muscle). Before this injury, Hardik was completely fit and was training well. It was believed that he was gradually getting ready to return to international cricket. But the injury again affected his plans. Now after the new foot problem, his fitness is once again under focus.
Nitish-Sundar’s recovery good, suspense on Bumrah
There is also some relief news for the Indian team before the Afghanistan series. All-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are recovering well and are expected to be available for the series. At the same time, it is not yet decided whether Jasprit Bumrah will play in these three matches. In such a situation, the selectors will have to take some important decisions regarding the team combination.
In Hardik’s case, the biggest question now is how soon he can start bowling again and when he gets the ‘all-clear’ from the CoE. There is not much time left in the team selection for the Afghanistan series, so the picture of his return may become clear soon.