Hardik Pandya to return in Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy ahead of T20 World Cup 2026. [Photo: X]
India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya is set to make a measured return from injury ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. After missing the Asia Cup earlier this year due to injury, Hardik Pandya’s rehabilitation has been carefully planned by the BCCI and the Centre of Excellence to ensure he is fit for India’s home tournament next year.
Reports suggest Pandya will skip the upcoming ODI series against South Africa to avoid a heavy workload immediately after his injury. A BCCI source told Times of India, “Hardik was supposed to return to action in the ODI series against South Africa, but it was decided at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence that it would be better for him to avoid the slightly heavier workload involved in the ODIs straightaway after returning from an injury.”
Instead, the plan is for Pandya to regain match fitness through the shorter format first. “With the T20 World Cup approaching in a few months, it would be better if he returns in the shorter format first. He will feature in a few matches for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (starting November 26),” the source added.
Playing in the SMAT will give Pandya a chance to ease back into competitive cricket while limiting stress on his body. Once he gains match practice, he could feature in select T20I matches against South Africa, starting December 9, and later in the series against New Zealand. These steps are aimed at ensuring he is fully prepared for tournament conditions in the T20 World Cup 2026.
Pandya has historically been injury-prone but has consistently delivered strong performances when it matters most. After his crucial contributions in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph in North America, the team management is keen to keep him healthy and fit for the home World Cup campaign. He is expected to play a pivotal role as the second or third seamer, while also contributing with the bat in death overs.
India’s white-ball squad is already dealing with key injuries. Shreyas Iyer is reportedly out long-term, and Shubman Gill is recovering from a neck spasm. Pandya’s carefully managed comeback is designed to minimize risk while maximizing his readiness for India’s marquee T20 tournament next year.
The BCCI’s approach underscores the importance of balancing player workload with team needs, ensuring star players like Pandya peak at the right time. His return in the SMAT is expected to signal India’s intent to field a fully fit and in-form squad for the T20 World Cup 2026.
