Team India’s X-Factor Out Again? Comeback Delayed!

Hardik Pandya faces another comeback setback

Hardik Pandya’s return to the Indian team could be delayed again after the all rounder reportedly suffered a leg niggle during his rehabilitation at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

Hardik was expected to return for India’s upcoming three match T20I series against Afghanistan. Despite, according to reports, he has been advised to stop bowling after discomfort was noticed in his leg.

The timing is a concern for Hardik, with the India selectors set to meet this week to pick the squad for the Afghanistan series.

Hardik had been training at full intensity without any major problems before the latest issue emerged.

According to reports he has been advised to pause bowling and is expected to resume soon. However, with the Afghanistan series approaching, reaching the required fitness level could be difficult.

There is reportedly no major concern with his batting or movement, but the BCCI Centre of Excellence will want to be satisfied with his fitness before clearing him to play.

So, will Hardik have to wait even longer for his comeback? Hardik has not played competitive cricket since the end of IPL 2026.

His last appearance for India came in the 2026 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. Since then, his recovery has kept him away from action.

The latest setback is also important because Hardik remains an important part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

His ability to bat aggressively and provide pace bowling gives India an option that is difficult to replace.

Jasprit Bumrah, Washington Sundar, Nitish Kumar Reddy and Sai Sudharsan are also currently recovering from injuries.

For Hardik, the immediate focus will be getting back to full fitness. The Afghanistan series could now come too soon, leaving Hardik’s India return in doubt once again.