‘India must have backup till next World Cup’: Suresh Raina on Hardik Pandya’s injury

Hardik Pandya (AFP photo) NEW DELHI: Former India batsman Suresh Raina has stressed the need for India to develop a reliable back-up for Hardik Pandya ahead of the next ODI World Cup, pointing to the all-rounder’s recurring fitness issues.“Hardik Pandya has had a few setbacks due to injury which is worrying. Before the next ODI World Cup arrives, India must have a reliable back-up for him,” Raina said while speaking on JioStar.Pandya endured another injury-hit season in IPL 2026, missing a few matches for Mumbai Indians before returning for the team’s last few matches.The 32-year-old has now been ruled out of India’s three-match ODI series against Afghanistan after suffering a fresh quadriceps strain.The latest injury comes at a crucial stage as India look to carefully manage Pandya’s workload ahead of next year’s ODI World Cup.He was recently at the BCCI Center of Excellence in Bengaluru seeking a fitness check after suffering back spasms during the IPL.Pandya remains one of India’s most valuable players thanks to his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. However, his repeated fitness concerns have again highlighted India’s lack of depth in the pace bowling all-rounder role.