Gautam Gambhir Warns Hardik Pandya Over ODI Comeback Readiness
· Sports · Indian Express, Times of India
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has stressed that all-rounder Hardik Pandya must secure adequate game time before making his return to the national ODI squad. Pandya has been sidelined due to a series of injuries, missing the home series against Afghanistan and subsequent white-ball tours following the IPL 2026 season. Gambhir highlighted Pandya's unique value to the team as a player who can bowl 10 overs and bat in the lower-middle order, but emphasized that going into the 2027 ODI World Cup without proper rhythm is not an option. The 32-year-old all-rounder is expected to make his comeback appearance for India A during their series against Australia A in Puducherry.
Why it matters
The fitness and match readiness of Hardik Pandya are critical for India's balance and preparations as the team builds toward the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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