India all-rounder Hardik Pandya’s return to competitive cricket has suffered another setback after he was ruled out of the upcoming 50-over matches against Australia A due to a fresh shin injury, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.
“Cricinfo understands that Hardik now has a shin injury and he has been asked to rest for 15 days,” the report stated.
Hardik had been named in India A’s squad for the three one-day matches against Australia A, scheduled to begin on October 6 in Puducherry, subject to a fitness clearance.
The series was expected to serve as an important assessment of Hardik’s ability to bowl his full quota of 10 overs, particularly with India’s five-match ODI tour of New Zealand scheduled to begin on November 4.
However, it is understood that Hardik has continued to experience pain while bowling, with the latest injury now delaying his comeback further.
The all-rounder has been away from competitive action since late May and has spent much of the intervening period undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru.
Hardik initially suffered back spasms during the IPL before sustaining a leg strain at the CoE ahead of India’s ODI series against Afghanistan in June.
His fitness has remained a concern as India prepare for a busy ODI schedule, with Hardik having not played a 50-over international since the ICC Champions Trophy final in March 2025.
The latest setback also leaves his availability for the New Zealand series uncertain, while India will continue to monitor his recovery with the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled to take place in October and November next year.
