NEW DELHI: Hardik Pandya has encountered a fresh setback at the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE) this week after a quadricep strain ruled him out of the upcoming One-Day Internationals (ODIs) against Afghanistan. Following a week of high-intensity training and match simulation drills, the all-rounder was preparing for a return to the format since 2025. However, mild soreness and stiffness have delayed that comeback.
Injury Details and Immediate Response
Hours before he was scheduled to depart from Bengaluru, Pandya felt discomfort in his quadricep and immediately alerted the medical team at the CoE. The medical staff promptly took him to a nearby facility for scans, which were later shared with Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala. The initial diagnosis revealed a quadricep sprain requiring a recovery timeline of at least two weeks.
Replacement and Recovery Plan
Sources indicate that the team management has already been informed of Pandya's current status and will decide on a replacement, if necessary, soon. As for Pandya, he will continue to stay in Bengaluru and follow the rehabilitation routine set by the CoE team. He is likely to resume light jogging and running around the weekend and will hit the nets at full intensity in the coming week. The intensity will be sustained for at least a week before the CoE gives him the all-clear to return.
Future ODI Assignments
India's next ODI assignment after the Afghanistan series is against England, in England. It remains to be seen how the selectors address Pandya's situation. The 32-year-old could return to full fitness by the time the ODI specialists depart for England. Whether the selectors include him subject to fitness clearance is a decision expected in the coming week when they convene to pick the squad for the series starting July 14.
Virat Kohli's Fitness Also Under Scrutiny
Not only Pandya, but Virat Kohli's fitness will also be discussed by the selectors. The star India batter has been ruled out of the Afghanistan series, and the selectors will receive an update from the medical team on his recovery timelines.
Pandya's Decision to Train at CoE
Pandya did not check into the Bengaluru facility because the BCCI medical team had charted a long rehabilitation programme for him. He wanted to use the state-of-the-art facilities and receive proper training before joining the squad in Dharamsala on June 11. Since the Wankhede Stadium was hosting the T20 Mumbai League, Pandya opted for the CoE to complete his sessions with a battery of net bowlers and side-arm specialists.
Long-Term Benefits of CoE Training
Spending more time at the CoE is likely to become a regular feature in his regime. The facility provides proper data and video footage recording, and he has access to top experts under one roof. Additionally, the quality of net sessions is much better than what he would get while training at different grounds in Mumbai.
