Archive · 5 Oct 2026
Hardik Pandya, Harshit Rana Face Fitness Setbacks Before New Zealand Tour
India is scheduled to play cricket in New Zealand from October 22 to December 1.
Two Indian players may miss the tour because of health problems.
Harshit Rana hurt his thigh during a practice match and later became ill.
His rehabilitation has therefore been delayed.
Reports differ on whether his injury affected both thighs or was described as left quadriceps pain.
Hardik Pandya has discomfort in his right calf after a setback during training.
He has been advised to take treatment and build back up through exercises and cricket practice.
Rana could return to competitive cricket next month, according to the report.
Reports say Harshit Rana is unlikely to be selected for India’s New Zealand tour because illness has delayed his rehabilitation.
Rana was injured during a September 7 match simulation in New Delhi; one report says an MRI showed low-grade strains in both thighs, while another describes low-grade left quadriceps pain.
Rana has reportedly had a fever, sore throat and cold, and is to resume rehabilitation after recovering.
Hardik Pandya developed right-calf discomfort and has been advised to take vitamin D and undergo bisphosphonate therapy for six to eight weeks.
India’s tour runs from October 22 to December 1 and includes five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests.
- Who
- Indian cricketers Harshit Rana and Hardik Pandya.
- What
- Both are reported unlikely to be available for India’s New Zealand tour because of fitness setbacks.
- When
- The reports were published October 4, 2026; the tour is scheduled for October 22 to December 1.
- Where
- The tour is in New Zealand; Rana’s injury occurred during a match simulation in New Delhi. The players have been recovering at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, according to one report.
- Why
- Rana’s rehabilitation was delayed by a thigh injury and an illness; Pandya developed discomfort in his right calf.
- Tour dates
- October 22 to December 1, 2026
- Tour schedule
- Five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests
- Rana injury
- A strain during a September 7 match simulation; reports describe low-grade strains in both thighs or low-grade left quadriceps pain.
- Rana illness
- Reportedly had a fever, sore throat and cold, delaying his return to rehabilitation.
- Possible Rana return
- He could return to competitive cricket next month in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy for Delhi.
- Pandya treatment
- Vitamin D supplementation and bisphosphonate therapy for six to eight weeks were advised, according to reports.
- Pandya rehabilitation
- The reported plan progresses from low-load exercises to running, cricket-specific drills and full match activities.
