Hardik Pandya Faces Injury Setback, Ruled Out of Upcoming Tours

Hardik Pandya will miss India's tours to Ireland and England due to a quadriceps injury, currently recovering at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence facility in Bengaluru.

What happened?

The all-rounder's injury has sparked concerns about his long-term availability, with Sanjay Manjrekar, a former India batter, expressing admiration for Hardik's abilities. Manjrekar noted Hardik's impressive performances in big games, such as World Cups and IPL finals.

Why it matters for Hardik Pandya

Hardik's injury-prone body has raised doubts about his selection, with Manjrekar hoping the selectors won't forget about him. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Hardik can play at his old intensity if relieved of captaincy duties.

What comes next?

Hardik is expected to return after India's tour of Sri Lanka in August, with Shivam Dube acting as the key all-rounder in his stead. As quoted by Indian Express, Manjrekar said: "I hope they don’t completely forget about him because this is a big match player, a player with tremendous ability." Hardik's possible relinquishing of captaincy duties with the Mumbai Indians has also been reported, which could impact his performance. The 29-year-old all-rounder has been working on his recovery and sharpening his cricketing skills under the new performance block programme. Manjrekar's comments highlight the importance of Hardik's contributions to the Indian team, particularly in big games. With his injury history, Hardik's return to the international arena will be closely watched, as he aims to regain his form and intensity. The Indian team will be looking to fine-tune their strategy without Hardik, with Shivam Dube taking on a key role. As the selection committee considers their options, Manjrekar's words serve as a reminder of Hardik's value to the team. The upcoming tours will be a test for the Indian team, and Hardik's absence will be felt, but his eventual return is eagerly anticipated.