Hardik Pandya Named in India A Squad for Fitness Test

Hardik Pandya's long-awaited return to cricket is now in sight, with the all-rounder named in the India A squad for next month's white-ball matches against Australia A. His inclusion, however, is strictly conditional on passing a final fitness assessment at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The immediate news is a setback. Pandya has been ruled out of India's ongoing three-match T20I series against Afghanistan, which began on September 13 in New Delhi. A fresh leg niggle emerged during his final stages of rehabilitation, forcing him to pause his bowling workload. A source involved in the process said Pandya was "operating at full intensity without any discomfort" but was advised to stop due to discomfort in the leg. This latest issue means he has not played any competitive cricket since captaining the Mumbai Indians in the IPL on May 24, 2026.

The national selectors have charted a clear path for his comeback. Pandya has been included in the India A one-day squad to face Australia A in Puducherry. The three 50-over matches are scheduled for October 6, October 9, and October 11. This series serves as a direct proving ground. Should he come through unscathed and receive full clearance from the BCCI's medical team, he will be in line for selection for India's full international series against the West Indies later in October.

Ruturaj Gaikwad will captain the India A 50-over side, with Devdutt Padikkal as his deputy. The squad blends experienced players like Pandya and Sai Sudharsan with emerging talents from the domestic circuit, many of whom are getting a look-in as first-choice players are likely occupied with the Asian Games campaign.

His extended time on the sidelines has opened a door for other all-rounders in the national setup. The most talked-about candidate is Nitish Kumar Reddy, the Sunrisers Hyderabad player widely seen as Pandya's natural successor in T20Is. Reddy, who is part of the first-team squad facing Afghanistan, had a strong IPL 2026, scoring 302 runs at a strike rate of 171.59 and taking eight wickets. His inclusion and others in the India A squads indicate the selectors are actively evaluating multiple options to fill the vital all-rounder role Pandya has occupied when fit.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Hardik Pandya misses the Afghanistan T20Is (September 13-?) due to a leg niggle.
• He is named in the India A squad for ODIs vs Australia A (October 6-11), subject to fitness.
• A successful return for India A would make him available for the West Indies series in October.
• Nitish Kumar Reddy is a leading contender to deputise in the all-rounder role.

Pandya's next steps are now clearly defined. All eyes will be on his performance in the fitness tests in Bengaluru and, if cleared, his output in Puducherry. For Indian cricket, getting a fully fit Hardik Pandya back for the busy season ahead remains a major priority.