Hardik Pandya's imminent return to international cricket has suffered a further setback after the India all-rounder suffered a fresh injury to his right shin. The BCCI has advised him to rest for as many as 2 weeks and will be on his way to a white-ball tour of New Zealand in the coming days, he said.
Pandya has already missed considerable time away from playing as an individual due to injuries this year. This is yet another blow to India's wishes for the star all-rounder, with the ODI World Cup on the way. He had been called up to the India A team for the One Day series against Australia A starting October 6, but his current health problem could keep him away from that tour.
Pandya's scans showed an injury to his right shin. The medical team has recommended a period of complete rest before he can begin the next step of his recovery. BCCI's medical panel head Dr Dinshaw Pardiwala will also assess Pandya's reports and take a decision on his rehabilitation programme and eventual return to cricket.
The timing of the injury is particularly relevant because India’s white-ball tour to New Zealand is due to start later in October. The T20I series starts on October 22 and the ODI matches will take place on October 24. Pandya will be out for a number of weeks and so his status for the New Zealand trip is uncertain now.
India’s team management has paid extreme attention to Pandya’s fitness since he’s a genuine all-rounder in the team. His ability to play both with the bat and ball adds India more options in limited overs cricket. But his fitness and game time is now the main focus in preparation for the next ODI World Cup.
The all-rounder was also considered for the Indian delegation to Japan for the Asian Games. But he felt pain in his knee during fielding drills ahead of the Afghanistan T20Is. He had an injury and was unable to return to competitive cricket.
With the New Zealand tour now out of the question, Pandya can look forward to India's next tour as a chance to recover fully. The Zimbabwe ODI series will be the first time he will have an opportunity for his comeback. In the meantime, Pandya could also work on his match fitness and rhythm in domestic leagues like the Vijay Hazare Trophy or Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy if he goes back to international cricket.
The latest setback is also coming at the time when India is looking for Pandya to build up enough match practice with the World Cup on the horizon. And head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously said players returning from injury should have enough game time to get ready for a big tournament and not go to a big tournament without time and preparation.
Gambhir spoke about Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah and the importance of them in India's 50-over scheme. He said that Pandya is a very special combination of batting and bowling for India as he can contribute with the bat lower down the order but also give a huge amount of overs.
Gambhir also stressed that Pandya needs regular cricket before a major tournament. For India head coach, playing T20 cricket before moving into one day cricket would help the all-rounder regain his rhythm and match sharpness.
Pandya’s injury is therefore another fitness issue for India ahead of the World Cup. In the short term, his recovery should be the top priority and not any more rush to get back. His health and rehabilitation, and hence his return to the India side will be all part of his medical examination, rehabilitation and return to the national team.
Pandya will now focus on recovering fully and gradually building up his workload. The New Zealand tour may be too soon for the moment, but if he returns (and at home) in time for Zimbabwe or domestic cricket, he could get a chance to regain match fitness prior to India’s big games.
