India plan to rest Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah for the ODI series against South Africa. The team wants both players to focus on fitness and long term preparation ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Hardik Still Recovering
The ODI series starts on November 30, but Hardik is still recovering from a quadriceps injury he suffered during the Asia Cup T20 in September. He missed the final and has stayed in rehab since then. His return to 50 over cricket carries risk.
Bumrah Set for Rest
Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up 6 wickets in the first Test in Kolkata, is also set to be rested. The team is managing his workload to keep him fresh for the upcoming T20I assignments and long term plans.
Focus on Fitness First
Hardik is following his Return to Play program at the Centre of Excellence. The medical team wants him to prove his fitness for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before he joins the T20I squads for the South Africa and New Zealand series.
Shift in India’s Planning
India are prioritising T20 cricket over ODIs for the next few months. ODIs hold limited value before the T20 World Cup. The team wants its core players in top shape, and the ODI focus will return only after the IPL.
Younger Options for ODIs
With Hardik and Bumrah missing the series, India may turn to a younger group for the ODI matches. This will give the team more options as they shape the next phase of white ball cricket.
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