Hardik Pandya is all set to return to competitive cricket earlier than expected, with reports confirming that the Indian all-rounder has regained full fitness and will make his comeback in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before joining the national team.
Hardik Completes Full Rehab, Cleared to Play
Pandya had been sidelined since suffering a quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against Sri Lanka. After bowling one over and taking a wicket, he walked off the field and did not participate again in the tournament.
Since then, he has undergone an extensive rehabilitation program at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
A source told PTI that Pandya spent over a month at the facility — from October 21 to November 30 — completing his full recovery and Return-to-Play protocols without leaving the campus.
“He has now been fully cleared to bat and bowl in T20Is. He has already joined the Baroda squad and will feature in the Punjab game,” the source said.
Pandya is slated to play on December 4 against Gujarat and may take the field on December 6 against Haryana as well, unless the Indian team management calls him earlier for national duty.
He is almost certain to be available for the five-match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9.
Shubman Gill to Undergo Fitness Test at CoE
While Pandya’s comeback looks smooth, Shubman Gill’s situation is more delicate.
Gill is expected to report to the CoE in Bengaluru for a detailed medical assessment before being cleared to rejoin the India squad. The opener has been out with a serious neck injury suffered while batting during the Kolkata Test, which ruled him out of the second Test and the ODI series.
He has been undergoing a structured rehab routine that includes medication, strengthening exercises, and rest.
His return to action will depend on whether he can bat comfortably without any pain.
A BCCI source said:
“Gill was advised 21 days of rest and specific muscle-strengthening work. Only after he passes all mandatory fitness tests and shows smooth, pain-free movement in batting drills can he resume skill training.”
As of now, his availability for the South Africa T20Is remains uncertain, with his chances described as “50-50.”
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