NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya‘s return to competitive cricket has been delayed again as the all-rounder is set to miss the three India A fixtures against Australia A in Puducherry starting October 6. The all-rounder experienced pain in his right shin again earlier this week and underwent a fresh set of scans. The BCCI medical team monitoring him has advised further rest.The 32-year-old was inching closer to a return to cricket but the recurring shin issue has derailed all the progress he made at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in the last few months.It was the same issue that ruled him out of selection for the Afghanistan T20Is. It is understood that he was also being considered for a late entry into the Asian Games but the unfortunate turn of events occurred close to selection day – first before the Afghanistan ODIs and then later for the T20Is against the same opposition.With no physical activity for the next 10-15 days, it remains highly doubtful that Pandya will be available for the T20Is against New Zealand next month as well. The selectors would also operate with caution when considering him directly for the ODIs which follow the five T20Is. The team management’s frustrating wait for their premier all-rounder continues, but they understand that a rushed approach will not be followed as the 2027 World Cup remains the ultimate goal.There is no official word from the Indian cricket board yet. However, Suryansh Shedge is currently taining at the BCCI CoE and could well be drafted as Hardik‘s replacement for three India A games.
