Reports say Hardik Pandya unlikely to return before IPL 2027

Multiple reports indicate Hardik Pandya will miss India's white-ball home series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe after a fresh injury setback. The all-rounder has not played since the 2026 T20 World Cup final.

Pandya was named in the India A squad against Australia A but failed to recover in time. He remains at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The reports say he will begin jogging in three weeks and will need eight further weeks of running load before match fitness. A return is now expected only during IPL 2027.

Pandya has not featured for India since the T20 World Cup 2026 Final, while his last ODI appearance was during the Champions Trophy 2025 Final. Other all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Suryansh Shedge are being fast-tracked amid his injury layoff.