Hardik Pandya likely to rejoin India squad for South Africa series, nears full fitness

Hardik Pandya, the star all-rounder for India, is getting closer to making his eagerly anticipated comeback to international cricket after missing time with a quadriceps injury. Hardik hasn't played in a game since the setback, which happened right before the Asia Cup final against Pakistan. 

The BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru is where the star all-rounder is presently training, and The Times of India reports that he will be available at some point during India's white-ball series against South Africa.

When Pandya was injured during the Super-Four match against Sri Lanka, he was observed leaving the pitch in the middle of the contest and never came back to play. Pandya was eliminated from the Asia Cup final against Pakistan as a result of the setback, even though India won that match.

Under the guidance of the BCCI's medical department, he has since missed every match, including the current tour of Australia, while continuing his recuperation.

The Times of India said that Hardik Pandya is anticipated to return for India in their forthcoming white-ball series against South Africa. The first ODI of the eagerly awaited series will take place on November 30, 2025.

“After a holiday break, Hardik reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Nov 21. He will be at the CoE for a month. He has started his gym sessions and should be back in action during the white-ball series against South Africa at some point," the newspaper quoted a BCCI official as saying.

In the ODIs without Pandya, India struggled. They lost the first two games of the series because they failed to select their best spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, in order to preserve the batting depth.

Hardik's return to international cricket would be gradually introduced by the BCCI. You don't want to jeopardise his fitness with the 2026 T20 World Cup just around the way. His contribution to India's victory against South Africa in Barbados last year was evident to all, and Team India cannot afford to lose him.

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