‘I hope he plays home’: Shubman Gill reports on Hardik Pandya’s comeback

Hardik Pandya (BCCI Photo) When will Hardik Pandya return to the Indian team? What is the condition of the all-rounder? When will he be seen in Indian colors again?These were some of the questions asked by Indian captain Shubman Gill during his press conference ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand in Auckland on Wednesday.Pandya’s absence from international cricket has been a talking point and fans have been waiting for an update on his return. The all-rounder last represented India in the 2026 T20 World Cup finals in Ahmedabad. Since then, his only competitive appearance has come in the Indian Premier League for Mumbai Indians.Pandya has missed several international assignments since the T20 World Cup, including India’s home series against Afghanistan and the tours of Ireland and England. He was also unavailable for the home ODI series against the West Indies and misses the ongoing tour of New Zealand.Gill said the team management is in regular touch with Pandya and stressed the importance of having a player of his caliber in the side.He also revealed that the all-rounder was struggling ahead of the India A match.“We’ve had a few conversations, he’s a quality player – not many people in the world have what he can do. Hopefully he’ll play with the home team and get back. Unfortunately, he made a mistake before the India A game,” Gill told reporters ahead of the first ODI.

Hardik’s return to solving India’s lower-order worries

Gill also explained how Pandya’s return would help India strengthen their lower order. The skipper believes the all-rounder’s presence would take care of the No.7 and No.8 batting positions.“Whenever Hardik bhai comes back, no 7/8 will be taken care of. I am happy with the batting line-up to lead in the ODI World Cup,” he said.India will begin their five-match ODI series against New Zealand at Eden Park in Auckland on November 4. The second match will be played in Wellington on November 7, followed by the third ODI in Hamilton on November 10.The teams will then move to Mount Maunganui for the final two matches on November 13 and 15.