Now the situation seems to be completely clear regarding the return of Hardik Pandya, the star all-rounder of the Indian cricket team and known for his aggressive style among sports lovers, in Team India. Keeping in mind the upcoming ODI World Cup of 2027, the Indian team management and selectors are taking a very strict stance regarding the fitness and performance of the players. Recently, before the upcoming ODI series starting against New Zealand, Indian team captain Shubman Gill has given a big statement during a press conference regarding the comeback of Hardik Pandya. Captain Gill has bluntly said that to regain his place in the Indian team, Hardik will have to go through the tough test of domestic cricket and prove his full fitness. Hardik Pandya, who has been away from professional cricket since IPL 2026, is not going to face an easy comeback in Team India, because in his absence, young all-rounders have also strengthened their claim by performing well. Let us know in detail what other revelations Captain Shubhman Gill has made about Hardik Pandya in the press conference and what big challenges lie ahead for him. Captain Shubman Gill praised Hardik Pandya's ability, expressed concern over fitness. In the press conference held just before the important ODI series against New Zealand, when Captain Shubman Gill was asked a question about the current condition of Hardik Pandya and his return to the team, he expressed his views openly. Praising Hardik, Gill said that he is one of the best all-rounders in the world, whose talent and ability to win matches has no doubt. Captain Gill said, "Hardik Pandya is a player whom you can bowl to in any situation on the field. He can do wonders even with the new ball and knows the art of stopping runs and taking wickets even with the old ball. We have regular conversations with him, but the unfortunate thing is that he has been struggling with injuries and fitness problems for some time now." It is not hidden from anyone how important Hardik's bowling and finisher role is for Team India, but his continuous absence on the fitness front remains a matter of concern for the team management.
"Will have to prove fitness by playing domestic cricket": Clear message from Shubman Gill Since Hardik Pandya last played competitive cricket in IPL 2026 and has been out of the field since then, captain Shubman Gill has made it clear that this cannot be his direct entry into international cricket. Gill clearly said that Hardik will have to prove his match fitness and rhythm by playing domestic cricket before making a comeback in the national team. Since Hardik Pandya has been away from red-ball cricket or Test formats for a long time, he has the option to showcase his ability by playing in limited overs domestic tournaments. According to captain Gill, Hardik will have to prove himself completely by playing matches in the upcoming domestic competitions such as Vijay Hazare Trophy or Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Only the domestic tournaments starting in the coming days will decide how soon Hardik is able to regain his old rhythm. Hardik Pandya's problems have increased further due to a serious injury and the recovery process not being completed, having to be ruled out of the Australia 'A' and New Zealand series. Earlier, he was selected in the 'India A' team for the ODI series played against Australia 'A', so that he could test his match practice and fitness. But due to not being able to recover completely, he had to be out of that series also. This is the reason why he has not been able to be a part of the Indian team for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand. However, the List-A tournament 'Vijay Hazare Trophy' under the domestic circuit is going to start from December 14, and it is believed that if Hardik regains his fitness by then, he can be seen sweating on the home ground. Tough competition for Hardik due to the emergence of Nitish Kumar Reddy. It will not be so easy for Hardik Pandya to regain his old place in Team India this time, because taking advantage of his absence, other young players have left a strong impression in the team. Especially young player Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged rapidly as the new fast bowling all-rounder of the Indian team. Nitish Kumar Reddy is currently getting opportunities to play for India in all three formats (Test, ODI and T20), and he has won the trust of the selectors with his excellent performances with both bat and ball. In such a situation, when a young and fit player is consistently performing well, then for Hardik Pandya to make a comeback in the playing eleven, he will have to prove his fitness as well as the level of his game at the highest level. Keeping the 2027 ODI World Cup in mind, the team management is in no mood to take any risk, and that is why this 'Agnipariksha' has become the biggest challenge for Hardik.