Hardik Pandya Injured Again, Out of Australia A Series; New Zealand Tour in Doubt

Fans waiting for Hardik Pandya's return to the field have received another setback. The all-rounder will not play in India A's ODI series against Australia A, as a fresh fitness problem has forced him out of the squad. Mumbai all-rounder Suryansh Shedge has been added to the India A team in his place.

Hardik Pandya injured again

Pandya has been going through rehabilitation for a long time, and the Australia A series was seen as an important step in his comeback and fitness check. According to reports, he has not played competitive cricket since this year's IPL.

Reports say pain returned in his right shin earlier this week. After scans, the BCCI medical team advised him to rest. Citing a PTI report, it has been reported that he will be out of competitive cricket for at least three weeks. The same problem has delayed his return on earlier occasions as well.

Suryansh Shedge gets the chance

Suryansh Shedge had been training at the BCCI Centre of Excellence and has now been included in India A's ODI squad in place of Pandya. The three-match series gives him a good opportunity to prove himself.

Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain India A, with Devdutt Padikkal as vice-captain. The squad also includes Sai Sudharsan, Rajat Patidar, Naman Dhir and Priyansh Arya.

Series begins on October 6

India A and Australia A will play three ODIs in Puducherry.

• First ODI: October 6, 2026
• Second ODI: October 9, 2026
• Third ODI: October 11, 2026

Concern over the New Zealand tour

For Pandya, missing the Australia A series is not the only worry. Reports say the injury makes it difficult for him to feature in India's upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand. According to WION, he is not expected to play the New Zealand T20I series, while selectors will be careful about the five ODIs that follow.

Pandya's fitness matters to India because he gives the side balance as an all-rounder, and his bowling in ODIs plays a big part in team combinations. The Australia A series was meant to test exactly that.

Harshit Rana's fitness also a concern

Another fitness worry for India is Harshit Rana. According to reports, his rehabilitation from a quadriceps injury has been halted by a viral illness, which has added to the team management's concern before the New Zealand tour.

Longer wait for Pandya's return

The India A series was expected to bring Pandya back into competitive cricket, but the fresh injury has put that plan on hold for now. India have important ODIs coming up in the months ahead, and preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup are also under way. All eyes will now be on Pandya's next fitness update.