• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

India vs South Africa: Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya and talismanic Jasprit Bumrah are likely to miss the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, scheduled to start from November 30 as per a report. Pandya, who is currently recovering from an injury in the quadriceps, should make his comeback in the T20I series, which will begin right after the end of the ODI series.

Also, Bumrah, who is part of the Test series, is expected to skip the ODI series as the India team management does not want to risk him in the shortest format, the report in PTI suggested. The idea behind Bumrah's rest from South Africa ODIs is to keep him for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026.

Hardik has been away from international cricket ever since he sustained an injury during the Asia Cup T20 in Dubai last September and incidentally missed the final against Pakistan.

Also Read: Mitchell replaces Rohit Sharma as top ODI batter

"Hardik is recovering well from his quadriceps injury at the moment. He is at the Centre of Excellence doing his RTP (Return To Play) routines. As of now, returning from quadriceps injury, he needs to build up his workload and straightaway playing 50 overs will be risky. Till the T20 World Cup, the BCCI medical team and Hardik would focus on T20Is," a BCCI source was quoted as saying by PTI on conditions of anonymity.

Recommended For You

A previous report by PTI suggested that Hardik is likely to prove his match fitness with his appearance in Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. 

There are three ODIs against New Zealand as well, but 50-over cricket holds limited importance until the T20 World Cup. Post the next IPL, the focus for senior players will shift to the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.

Shubman Gill's Availability In ODIs Under Question!

Also Read: Gill spotted wearing neck support at Kolkata airport

Indian ODI captain Shubman Gill probably needs at least 10 days to fully recover and then complete his rehabilitation to be match-ready as per another report in PTI. The report also stated that if he plays the second Test match, the logical step for selectors would be to rest him from the ODI series starting November 30 in Ranchi.

With little at stake in the series, he could easily take a break and return for the T20s against South Africa.

Inputs from PTI

Also In News