Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Hardik Pandya’s India Return Depends on Ten-Over Bowling Fitness
Hardik Pandya is a cricket player who bats and bowls.
Right now, he cannot bowl all 10 overs in a one-day match.
India’s coach, Gautam Gambhir, said the team will not hurry him back.
Pandya needs more competitive match practice first.
He may get that practice with India A against Australia A. Those matches are planned for October 6, 9 and 11 in Puducherry.
His selection still depends on passing a fitness check.
Gambhir said Pandya must be able to contribute with both batting and bowling.
If Pandya becomes fully fit, he and Nitish Kumar Reddy could play in the same India team.
Gautam Gambhir said Hardik Pandya is not currently ready to bowl a full 10-over spell in an ODI.
India does not want to rush Pandya back into international cricket because he has played little competitive cricket recently.
Pandya was named in the India A squad for a three-match one-day series against Australia A, subject to fitness clearance.
The India A matches are scheduled for October 6, 9 and 11 in Puducherry, with Ruturaj Gaikwad as captain.
Gambhir said Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy could play together once Pandya regains full bowling fitness.
- Who
- Hardik Pandya, India head coach Gautam Gambhir, Nitish Kumar Reddy, India A and Australia A.
- What
- Pandya’s return to international cricket depends on regaining the ability to bowl a complete 10-over spell and contribute as a genuine all-rounder.
- When
- Gambhir made the comments on Thursday; the India A matches are scheduled for October 6, 9 and 11.
- Where
- The India A-Australia A one-day series is scheduled in Puducherry.
- Why
- Pandya is not currently ready for a full bowling workload and has played little recent competitive cricket, so India does not want to rush him back.
- Current bowling status
- Pandya is not yet ready to bowl 10 overs in the 50-over format.
- India’s approach
- Gambhir said Pandya will not be rushed into international cricket.
- Planned match practice
- Pandya could gain competitive game time with India A against Australia A.
- Series details
- The three-match one-day series is scheduled for October 6, 9 and 11 in Puducherry.
- Selection condition
- Pandya’s India A selection is subject to final fitness clearance by the BCCI Centre of Excellence.
- Possible team combination
- Gambhir said Pandya and Nitish Kumar Reddy could play together once Pandya is fully fit to bowl.
- Recent playing status
- The reports say Pandya has played little or no competitive cricket since IPL 2026 because of injuries and fitness concerns.
