‘His body is fragile’: Former India star expresses concern over Hardik Pandya’s 2027 ODI World Cup chances

Hardik Pandya (ANI Photo) Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif has expressed concern over Hardik Pandya’s recurring fitness issues, questioning the all-rounder’s injury uncertainty while admitting uncertainty over whether he will still be part of India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.Hardik recently missed the ODI series against Afghanistan due to injury and has also been ruled out of India’s upcoming 50-over series against England in July. His absence has reignited discussions about his long-term fitness, a topic Kaif feels has never been adequately addressed.On his YouTube channel, Kaif acknowledged Hardik’s immense value to the Indian team and described him as an irreplaceable all-rounder in the current set-up. However, he admitted that the Baroda star’s injury makes it difficult to predict how long he can continue at the top level.“I can’t vouch for him. Even I don’t understand his case. He is such a big match-winner. No one is close to him as an all-rounder in the current lot. He knows that too. But his body is fragile. He also got injured in 2023 and then it wasn’t the same. His injury is not talked about and no proper reasons are given to the official. Tell me if you told me what the reason is. We only know from resources,” he said.Kaif also criticized the lack of communication regarding Hardik’s fitness status and argued that supporters deserve more transparency whenever a key player is unavailable.“Fans also have a right to know what exactly happened and we need more transparency. That has been the case with Hardik throughout his career. There are always questions surrounding his injury as to what exactly happened and why he is missing,” he added.While discussing India’s ODI squad, Kaif also weighed in on the omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal from the squad for the England series. The young opener strengthened his case with a century in the final ODI against Afghanistan but was still left out of the 15-man squad.Kaif supported the selectors’ decision to pick Ishan Kishan instead, pointing to the wicket-keeper batsman’s versatility and ability to contribute in multiple roles. He also hinted that Kishan’s current form and head coach Gautam Gambhir’s support played in his favour.“Jaiswal will play. He will be an all-format player. His time will also come. Agarkar said they can only pick 15 players and I agree with him. We have a lot of solid players and a few people will always be missing like that. They had to pick either Jaiswal or Ishan Kishan. Kishan got the nod because he can bat in the middle just like the outfielder Kishanet Jaiswal. Also, Gambhir wants Kishan there, I said it last time too, so I agree saying he will have to wait for a while,” Kaif said.Despite missing out on the opportunity, Kaif remains confident that Jaiswal’s future lies in all three formats for India. For now, however, the youngster can be patient as the competition for places continues to intensify ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.