Whenever Hardik Pandya is on the park, the game revolves around him. The 32-year-old all-rounder has led India to the most crucial moments in the 2024 T20 World Cup, including the infamous final nail-biter in Barbados, and has played a special innings to chase back-to-back World Cups in 2026. But his name is undeniably attached to a heart-wrenching story of losing his long-lasting career due to constant health issues.
Since September 2018, Pandya has been playing only white-ball games as he wanted to stay fit for a longer period to utilize his best ability on the limited-overs platform. However, he cannot deny the fact that he has been constantly battling with his body to stay fit for the shorter format. And just like last time, he is again recovering from injuries, as he has been out since May 2026.
Hardik Pandya's Fractured Spine: Lower Back Injuries (2018-2019)
Pandya's long and winding road to recovery was first severely tested during the 2018 Asia Cup clash against Pakistan in Dubai. He was forced to retire injured after a lightning strike mid-over, crumpling to the ground in excruciating pain in his back and had to be stretchered off.
September 2018: Stretched off in Dubai, and Ambati Rayudu was forced to bowl the final delivery of his over.
October 2019: Following further back problems flaring up in a home series against South Africa, Pandya had surgery in the UK on the affected vertebrae.
The Aftermath: While the surgery kept him fit for the shorter formats, it ultimately ruled him out of playing Test cricket.
Cruel Cup Interruptions & Comebacks (2023-2024)
Just as Pandya was back to his old self, he suffered another setback in his career on home soil during the 2023 ODI World Cup. During the group-stage match against Bangladesh in Pune, he had to be stretchered off after twisting his left ankle while fielding at cover off his follow-through. The injury ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament.
| Milestone / Setback |
Impact & Narrative
|
| 2023 ODI World Cup Injury |
Sustained a severe left ankle strain in Pune; missed the rest of India's campaign.
|
| IPL 2024 Return |
Returned to action leading Mumbai Indians; endured a tough season facing hostile fan reactions.
|
| 2024 T20 World Cup Heroics |
Silenced critics by holding his nerve in the final over against South Africa to seal the World Cup trophy.
|
The Recent Spiral: A Summer of Setbacks (2026)
It has been a rather frustrating summer for the veteran all-rounder. It started with just a minor discomfort that took a life of its own and cost him a significant chunk of the season.
April-May 2026: Back spasms forced Pandya to miss four IPL games for Mumbai Indians, playing only in the last couple of fixtures
June 2026: While at the Center of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru for rehab, he sustained a grade II strain in his quadriceps, keeping him away from the home ODI series against Afghanistan and India's July trip to England.
August-September 2026: As Pandya was preparing to return to action, a leg niggle prevented him from featuring in the T20I series against Afghanistan starting September 13.
Hardik Pandya is a game-changer for Team India but as another cycle of rehab starts for the star player in Bengaluru, it will be interesting to watch the developments unfold.
Also read: Pakistan Cricket Is in Crisis: How a Culture of Panic Has Pushed the Test Team to the Brink