Hardik Pandya is set to return to international cricket during the five-match T20I series against South Africa. He sustained a left quadriceps injury during the Asia Cup in September. During the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025, Hardik played two matches for Baroda and looked impressive with bat and ball.
Former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar stated that there is no back-up for players like Ravindra Jadeja and Hardik Pandya in the national team. Bangar, who has also served as India's batting coach in the past,
said that Hardik could command a place for himself as a specialist batter or bowler.
"Look at all the all-rounders in world cricket now. Does England have a back-up for Ben Stokes? No. In one-day or even Test cricket, there is no back-up for Ravindra Jadeja. It is the same with Hardik Pandya," JioStar expert Bangar said.
"He (Pandya) can command a spot in the top five on his batting alone. He could also be one of the top three seamers in any team if he was just a bowler. The point is, to be that kind of all-rounder, you must earn your place with your batting and also with your bowling. There is no other player like Hardik Pandya in the Indian team." On Pandya's workload management, Bangar said he should at least play the first three matches against South Africa.
A fit Hardik Pandya allows the team to play its desired combination: Bangar
Bangar mentioned that Hardik's workload should be monitored carefully by the Indian team management. The cricketer-turned-expert feels that Hardik's presence could allow India to play different combinations.
"We need to see how he copes," Bangar said, insisting that it is too early to say if he should play six or seven T20Is before the World Cup.
"Playing in the SMAT (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) is different from the intensity of an international game. The team management must manage the workload of important players like him. So, if needed, we must do that for Hardik too. A fit Hardik Pandya allows the team to play its desired combination, especially with the spin options we have. That's why his presence is critically very vital," he suggested.
Hardik suffered an injury scare while bowling on Sunday and didn't practice with the team on Monday. However, reports suggest that the injury isn't too serious and Hardik will be available to partake in the five-match series.
