Hardik Pandya’s return to India’s white-ball setup will therefore depend on his ability to contribute with the bat and ball and the all-rounder is still not ready to bowl a full 10 overs in the game according to Gautam Gambhir, head coach of the team. Pandya is not presently in the Indian team for T20I or ODI games and Gambhir has shed light on how he thinks about the selection of the all-rounders.
Following India’s 127-run victory in the third T20I against Afghanistan on 17 September, Gambhir said the team does not want to rush Pandya back into international cricket. According to India head coach, the all-rounder cannot now handle the bowling workload required in 50 overs cricket.
“Hardik Pandya cannot bowl 10 overs at the moment. We don't want to rush him into international cricket. When he is fit there is a possibility of both he and Nitish playing,” Gambhir said of Pandya’s comeback.
The comments came after India completed a three-game series sweep against Afghanistan 3-0 T20I series. Pandya is still a key component of India's white-ball plan but his presence as a genuine all-rounder is still central to the team management's strategy.
Why Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Matters
Pandya’s value to India has traditionally been linked to his ability to make an impact in both departments. While he can provide an explosive batting option in the middle order, his bowling gives the team additional balance and allows the captain to use another seam-bowling option during matches.
That is particularly important in ODI cricket, when a frontline all-rounder may be expected to bowl a substantial spell. Gambhir’s remarks show that India wants Pandya to return only when he is capable of fulfilling that role, not just for his batting.
The approach also opens up a chance for Nitish Kumar Reddy. The young all-rounder has been included in India’s ODI and T20I squads for the West Indies series. Gambhir’s comments demonstrate that there could eventually be room for both players in the same XI if Pandya gets the right fitness.
India A Assignment Could Be Important
While Pandya has not been picked for the senior teams, he was named in India A's one-day squad for the three-match series with Australia A in Puducherry on October 6, October 9 and October 11.
Pandya’s selection to the India A series depends on fitness clearance, so it will depend on the fitness assessment before the matches. The assignment may allow him a chance to regain a healthy workload in a competitive 50-over cricket.
For the Indian team management, the India A matches could therefore be a key stage in assessing Pandya’s readiness. Longer-form white-ball cricket can help us see if he can handle the bowling workload at international level.
West Indies Series Without Pandya
India’s white-ball campaign against the West Indies will take place without Pandya in either team. Shubman Gill has been appointed ODI captain and Shreyas Iyer will lead the T20I side. Nitish is in both teams as India continues to develop its all-rounder options.
Pandya’s absence does not mean that his place in India’s plans has been permanently changed. Gambhir’s comments indicate that it will be a cautious approach for the time being to make sure that the player is physically and mentally sound before he returns to world cricket.
Now it will only be about his fitness and bowling workload. If Pandya proves he is capable of bowling consistently and also contributing with the bat, his chances of returning to the senior setup could be clearer.
For now, Gambhir’s message is that simply being fit enough to bat is not enough. India want Pandya back as the complete all-rounder who can provide both batting firepower and a meaningful bowling contribution. His India A opportunity against Australia A could thus be a significant step in determining when he is ready for another international comeback.
