Hardik Pandya’s comeback plans hit a new hurdle

Hardik Pandya (AFP photo) NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya’s return to international cricket is set to face another hurdle as his plans at the BCCI Center of Excellence (CoE) were derailed by a late niggle, putting the all-rounder on the back foot for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan.TimesofIndia.com has reliably learned that he was ticking the right boxes, but a late development could make him unavailable for selection. The selectors are expected to meet this week to pick the squad for the T20Is from September 13 in New Delhi and will soon be informed about the fitness status of the players who are recuperating in Bengaluru.“Hardik Pandya has been performing at full strength without any discomfort but has been advised to stop bowling due to leg discomfort. He will resume soon but the Afghanistan series is too close to reaching the required fitness level. There has been no major issue in terms of batting and movement but the CoE needs to be fully convinced before giving the all clear,” says a source following the development.The 32-year-old has not played a competitive match since he made his debut in the IPL for Mumbai Indians on 24 May. His last appearance for the Men in Blue came on March 8 in the T20 World Cup final. He has since missed the home matches against Afghanistan and the subsequent tours of Ireland and England. The latest development has further delayed his return to international cricket.It is worth noting that Pandya suffered a late recurrence ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan with a low-grade quadriceps sprain. Even then he was in top shape and training long before the injury struck.As reported on Monday, all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are doing well in the Afghanistan series, but Jasprit Bumrah remains in touch in the three matches. The fast bowler remains on course for the Asian Games.

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