Hardik Pandya will miss India’s upcoming ODI series against South Africa as the BCCI prioritizes his recovery and preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. The star all-rounder, recovering from a quadriceps injury sustained during September’s Asia Cup, will focus exclusively on T20 cricket until the marquee event.​

T20 World Cup Takes Priority

A BCCI source made clear the strategic thinking behind resting Pandya from ODIs. “Hardik is recovering well from his quadriceps injury at the moment. He is at the Centre of Excellence doing his RTP (Return To Play) routines. As of now, returning from a quadriceps injury, he needs to build up his workload, and straightaway playing 50 overs will be risky. Till the T20 World Cup, the BCCI medical team and Hardik will focus on T20Is,” the source told PTI.​

The decision reflects India’s clear mandate—preserve Pandya for the T20 World Cup, scheduled for February-March 2026, where he’ll be crucial as the team’s premier fast-bowling all-rounder.​

Injury Timeline

Pandya sustained the quadriceps injury during India’s Asia Cup T20 match against Sri Lanka in Dubai last September, forcing him to miss the final against Pakistan. Since then, he’s been undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bangalore, missing the entire white-ball tour of Australia comprising three ODIs and five T20Is.​

SMAT Fitness Test

Before returning to the Indian team, Pandya will prove his match fitness by playing for Baroda in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). The NCA is taking a cautious approach, wanting to assess how his body handles the workload in three SMAT games before clearing him for international cricket.​

Pandya is scheduled to feature in Baroda’s match against Hyderabad later this month as part of his comeback plan.​

T20I Series Return

Once he clears the SMAT fitness test, Pandya is expected to play in India’s five-match T20I series against South Africa starting December 9, followed by T20Is against New Zealand. This measured approach ensures he’s match-ready without risking further injury setbacks.​

ODIs Can Wait

The BCCI has made it clear that 50-over cricket holds limited importance until after the T20 World Cup. There are three ODIs against New Zealand as well following the South Africa series, but senior players will only shift focus to ODIs post-IPL 2026 as preparation begins for the 2027 ODI World Cup cycle.​

Bumrah Also Rested

In keeping with workload management for frontline pacers, Jasprit Bumrah is also likely to be rested from the three-match ODI series against South Africa starting November 30. The series carries little significance in the build-up to the T20 World Cup, making it an ideal opportunity to manage his workload after the grueling Test series.​

Squad Concerns Mount

Pandya’s absence adds to India’s selection headaches for the South Africa ODIs. Vice-captain Shreyas Iyer will miss the series after undergoing a medical procedure for a ruptured spleen in Sydney. Captain Shubman Gill is also doubtful due to the neck injury he sustained during the first Test against South Africa.​

These absences may force India to field a significantly weakened side for the ODI series, though the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma after their sensational performances in Sydney provides some relief.​

Home World Cup Priority

With India co-hosting the 2026 T20 World Cup alongside Sri Lanka, Pandya’s fitness and form are paramount. His ability to bowl 3-4 overs at high pace while providing explosive lower-order batting makes him irreplaceable in India’s T20 setup.​

The BCCI’s conservative approach ensures Pandya peaks at the right time for the home World Cup rather than rushing him back for relatively insignificant bilateral ODIs.