Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is expected to be fit ahead of the three-match ODI series against West Indies, although it remains to be seen whether he features in the tie, given that he was named in the India A squad for the series against Australia A, which starts next month.
The national selectors could face a selection dilemma over the pace-bowling all-rounder’s spot in the ODI team unless Pandya is declared fit.
Pandya, who has been picked for India A, is expected to return to competitive white-ball cricket on Sunday, September 20, according to a PTI report.
“The selectors picked Hardik for India A one-dayers scheduled from October 6 in Puducherry. However, the West Indies ODIs will end on October 3. It will be interesting if Hardik is
selected for West Indies ODIs,” a source said while speaking to PTI.
Pandya was last seen in action during IPL 2026 and has spent much of the period since undergoing rehab at BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.
Pandya missed part of Mumbai Indians’ IPL campaign because of back spasms before suffering a leg strain during training at the CoE ahead of the ODI series against Afghanistan in June, ruling him out of the series.
Pandya hasn’t played an ODI since the Champions Trophy final in March 2025, having been rested from the format in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup in February-March 2026.
Pandya has remained part of India’s ODI plans since the end of that tournament, with the 2027 ODI World Cup scheduled for October-November, but recurring fitness problems have kept him on the sidelines.
India will hope Pandya clears his fitness assessment ahead of the Australia A series and starts the process of regaining his rhythm in 50-over cricket.
The pace attack, however, looks settled, with Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar and Prince Yadav all fit and available for selection.
Injuries to multiple fringe cricketers have made the selection process more challenging, with the committee also facing a shortage of all-rounder options.
