Hardik Pandya’s rehabilitation has returned to schedule after a minor setback, with the Indian team management adopting a long-term approach to ensure the star all-rounder is fully fit for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
According to a RevSportz report, Hardik’s recovery briefly stalled after he suffered a low-grade quadriceps sprain while nearing fitness clearance. The injury ruled him out of India’s home ODI series against Afghanistan as well as the subsequent three-match ODI tour of England. However, sources indicate that his rehabilitation is now progressing smoothly.
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The report states that India’s priority is not to rush Hardik back for bilateral white-ball assignments. Instead, the focus is on ensuring he reaches peak physical condition for the 2027 World Cup, where his role as a genuine pace-bowling all-rounder is expected to be crucial.
Following the Indian Premier League, Hardik reported to the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Bengaluru, where he began working on increasing his bowling workload for the 50-over format. He had successfully bowled 10-over spells in training before the quadriceps injury temporarily halted his progress.
Hardik has since shifted his training base to Bengaluru and is currently undergoing a specialised “performance block” programme at the CoE. The initiative is designed to improve his long-term fitness and workload management rather than preparing him for any immediate international series.
India felt Hardik’s absence during the ODI series against England, where Shivam Dube was used as the pace-bowling all-rounder. Dube featured in two matches, claiming two wickets while conceding 59 runs from 12 overs, and made little impact with the bat.
With more than a year remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup, the BCCI and team management are expected to carefully manage Hardik’s workload. The strategy aims to maximise his availability and ensure he is fully fit for India’s biggest 50-over assignment.
