Hardik Pandya to be ready for competitive white-ball cricket from September 20, PTI reports

PTI reported that Hardik Pandya will be ready to play competitive white-ball cricket from September 20, a development announced as India manage his return from a series of fitness setbacks ahead of upcoming limited-overs fixtures.

Pandya has missed extended periods this year because of injuries, including being sidelined with back spasms during IPL 2026 and withdrawing from India’s T20I series against Afghanistan with a quadriceps strain; his dual role as a batting and bowling option has made his fitness a continuing selection concern for India.

The all-rounder has been named to the India A squad that will play white-ball matches against Australia A in Puducherry, though the report stressed that his participation will be subject to assessment of his fitness.

India’s senior side faces an ODI series against the West Indies beginning September 27, and the timing of Pandya’s comeback creates uncertainty over whether he will be available for that senior assignment because of the India A commitments.

Selectors are expected to proceed cautiously with Pandya’s reintegration into competitive cricket given his recent injuries, and he is not part of India’s Asian Games squad as he has been included in the India A one-day group instead.

The next confirmed step for Pandya is his inclusion in the India A squad for the one-day series versus Australia A in Puducherry, with his match availability to be determined by his fitness evaluations ahead of those fixtures.