Hardik Pandya’s absence remains a major talking point as India begin their preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup. The Men in Blue are set to face the West Indies in a three-match ODI series, beginning Sunday in Thiruvananthapuram.
Hardik, however, will not be part of the series as he continues his recovery from injury.
Hardik Pandya’s Injury Setback
Hardik has been dealing with fitness issues for some time. He missed four matches for Mumbai Indians during IPL 2026 after suffering back spasms.
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The all-rounder was then ruled out of India’s home ODI series against Afghanistan because of a quadriceps strain. He also missed the white-ball tour of Ireland and England and was subsequently left out of India’s T20I squad for the Asian Games.
With the 2027 ODI World Cup now less than a year away, Hardik’s fitness and workload have naturally become a talking point.
Gautam Gambhir Stresses The Importance Of Game Time
India head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged Hardik’s importance to the team but said the all-rounder needs enough match practice before making his return.
Gambhir pointed out that very few players can provide India with the kind of balance Hardik offers, the ability to bat in the lower middle order while also bowling a full quota of 10 overs.
“If you talk about Hardik, very few teams have a player like that who can bowl 10 overs for you, plus bat at number six or seven, plus with that impact,” Gambhir told JioHotstar.
However, Gambhir does not want Hardik to rush back simply because the World Cup is approaching.
‘You Cannot Go There Half-Cooked’
Gambhir stressed that Hardik needs regular cricket before the World Cup. The India coach noted that the all-rounder has not played enough cricket since the IPL and could be short of match practice if he returns directly to the 50-over format.
“He needs game time as well. Because after the IPL, he hasn’t played a lot of cricket. So if the focus is only that he has to play the 50-over format, then he might be short of cricket,” Gambhir said.
“Game time going into the World Cup is going to be extremely, extremely important. You cannot go there half-cooked.”
Hardik Set For India A Comeback?
Hardik has also been left out of India’s T20I squad for the upcoming West Indies series, which begins on October 6.
The all-rounder is expected to make his comeback through India A’s one-day series against Australia A in Puducherry. The series is scheduled to be played between October 6 and 11.
For Hardik, those matches could be important as he looks to regain his rhythm and build up his workload ahead of India’s long-term preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup