Hardik Pandya to miss India A matches; racing against time to tour New Zealand

Hardik Pandya during the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 match between India and USA at the Wankhede Stadium on February 7, 2026 in Mumbai, India. (Photo/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya’s return to competitive cricket has been delayed yet again as the all-rounder will miss India A’s three-match series against Australia A in Puducherry starting on October 6. The all-rounder experienced pain in his right shin again earlier this week and underwent a new set of scans. The BCCI medical team monitoring him has advised more rest.The 32-year-old was slowly inching closer to a return to cricket, but a recurring shin problem derailed all the progress he had made at the BCCI Center of Excellence over the past few months.It was the same issue that ruled him out of the Afghanistan T20Is. It is understood that he was also considered due to a late entry into the Asian Games, but the unfortunate turn of events came just before selection day – first ahead of the Afghanistan ODIs and later for the T20Is against the same opposition.With no physical activity in the next 10-15 days, it remains highly doubtful that Pandya will be available for the T20I against New Zealand next month as well. The selectors would also operate with caution if they consider him directly for the ODIs that follow the five T20Is. The team management’s frustrating wait for their premier all-rounder continues, but they understand there will be no rush approach as the 2027 World Cup remains the ultimate goal.There is no official word from the Indian cricket board yet. However, Suryansh Shedge is currently holding on to the BCCI CoE and could be drafted in as Hardik’s replacement for India A’s three matches.