India head coach Gautam Gambhir has provided an update on Hardik Pandya’s prolonged absence from international cricket, saying the all-rounder is not yet ready to handle a full workload.
Pandya has not played for India since the 2026 IPL season after dealing with multiple injuries. His return is being handled carefully, with the team management keen to ensure that he gets enough competitive cricket before being brought back into the international setup.
The all-rounder has been included in the India A squad for the upcoming one-day matches against Australia A, although his participation is subject to fitness clearance. He was not selected for India’s ODI series against the West Indies, which begins on September 27.
Speaking after India’s T20I series win over Afghanistan, Gambhir said Pandya is currently unable to bowl the full 10-over quota required in an ODI.
“Hardik at the moment cannot bowl 10 overs, and he hasn't played a lot of cricket since the IPL, so we don't want to push him into international cricket,” Gambhir said.
The India coach explained that international cricket places considerable physical demands on players, making match practice particularly important for someone returning from injury.
Gambhir said Pandya has been given a clear message to play the India A matches and use them to regain competitive rhythm. If his fitness progresses well, he could then be considered for a return to India’s T20I and ODI squads.
The decision also gives India an opportunity to assess Pandya’s workload before committing him to international cricket.
Nitish Kumar Reddy Provides Another Option
During Pandya’s absence, Nitish Kumar Reddy has emerged as another seam-bowling all-rounder in India’s plans.
Nitish was recently withdrawn from India’s Asian Games squad and added to the ODI team for the upcoming series against the West Indies. Gambhir said the move would give him valuable match experience.
The coach also indicated that Pandya’s return would not necessarily mean the end of Nitish’s opportunities. Depending on the team’s requirements, India could potentially field both seam-bowling all-rounders in the same playing XI.
“Sometimes we could even go on to play both of them in the playing 11,” Gambhir said.
The India coach stressed the importance of having reliable seam-bowling all-rounders in the team’s future plans, particularly with major assignments ahead.
For Pandya, the immediate focus is therefore on getting back to competitive cricket rather than making an immediate return to the national team. The India A fixtures will provide an important test of his fitness and ability to manage a demanding workload.
If he comes through that period without setbacks, the management will then have more information to assess his readiness for international cricket.
For now, Gambhir’s comments make it clear that Pandya’s comeback is being approached step by step, with match fitness and bowling workload remaining key factors.
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