The Board of Control for Cricket in India face a major injury dilemma with star allโrounder Hardik Pandya, who has been sidelined for nearly six months due to recurring fitness issues.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have a major injury dilemma with star all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been unavailable for quite a while due to recurring injuries.
Pandya last featured for India in the T20 World Cup, where the team successfully defended the title under Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. He also featured in IPL 2026 with the Mumbai Indians and was also cleared for the England tour but was ruled out at the last minute due to an injury.
The Indian all-rounder has been out of action for nearly half a year and is undergoing recovery at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Hardik’s fitness a ‘headache’
According to Dainik Jagran, the selectors and team management have suspicions about Pandya’s fitness and his ability to complete his bowling quota in one-day cricket.
The all-rounder is said to be crucial for India’s ODI World Cup plans, but his fitness has become a headache for the selectors and team management.
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“Hardik Pandya’s fitness remains a concern for the team management. Reports say he can’t bowl more than five-six overs in ODIs. Hardik is crucial for the ODI World Cup, but his fitness continues to be a headache for the team management and selectors,” the report mentioned.
More from FirstcricketBCCI higher ops to meet Thursday
The report added that secretary Devajit Saikia would host a meeting with chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir in Mumbai on Thursday.
NCA chief VVS Laxman is also expected to join the meet to review the performance in England and Ireland T20s, player fitness, and also discuss the team’s roadmap for the upcoming bilaterals and the eventual 2027 ODI World Cup.ย ย
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“On Thursday, in Mumbai, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia will hold a meeting with Chief Selector Ajit Agarkar and Head Coach Gautam Gambhir. VVS Laxman, Head of National Cricket Academy (NCA), may also join this meeting,” the report added.
India’s next ODI assignment would be at home when they face the West Indies in a three-match series, starting September 27, 2026.